Josh Hazlewood is not playing today against India in the Fifth Test in Sydney. Hazlewood has once again been overlooked by the Australian Team Management as Scott Boland enjoys his extended stay in the Playing XI. Find out why Josh Hazlewood is missing from today’s Test match against India.
Team India’s stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah won the toss and decided to bat first. “We are looking to bat first. We have played some good cricket. The last match was exciting. The grass doesn’t look spicy. We always have learnt to digest defeats. We will look forward to this.”, he said.
Hazlewood has been under the radar and is apparently not fully fit. Thus, when the Playing XI of Australia for the Sydney Test was announced, Hazlewood’s name was missing from it.
Why is Josh Hazlewood Not Playing Today
Josh Hazlewood had reportedly picked up a calf strain after the First Test in Perth. Following that, he was rested from the Australian Playing XI for the Second Test in Adelaide. He did manage to return for the Third Test in Brisbane but was again rested for the Fourth Test at the MCG.
Hazlewood is still recovering from the strain and Australia do not want to wear him out ahead of the crucial Test series against Sri Lanka. Hazlewood has been a standout performer for Australia in Tests. In just 72 Tests, Hazlewood has picked up 279 wickets at an impressive average of 24.57.
Must-Win Game for the Aussies
Australia have once again chosen to go with right-arm pacer Scott Boland for the SCG Test. Boland had replaced Hazlewood for the Second Test where he managed to pick up 5 wickets. He returned to the Aussie squad for the Fourth Test and he shined once again by picking up 6 wickets. Hence, Australia have preferred him over Hazlewood, while also making sure the latter gets enough rest.
Australia are coming into the SCG Test with just one change. Tasmanian all-rounder Beau Webster has replaced Mitchell Marsh in the team. Marsh has been dropped owing to a poor run in the series.
The SCG Test is a must-win game for the Aussies. If Australia win this game, they will make it straight to the World Test Championship Final. However, if Australia lose, they will have to defeat Sri Lanka in at least one out of the two Tests at their home to qualify.
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