WTC Final 2023: Australia's Josh Hazlewood ruled out of title clash against India; Michael Neser called up

London: Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of Australia’s World Test Championship final against India that starts from 7 June. Hazlewood is still recovering from a side strain he picked up during his IPL 2023 stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

The WTC Final is slated to take place at The Oval in London.

Pacer Michael Neser has been announced as replacement in Australia’s squad with Hazlewood reportedly being given furthermore time to recover and prepare for the Ashes in England. Neser has been playing in the County Championship for Glamorgan this season and has been in fine rhythm, having taken 14 wickets in his last three games which includes 7/32 against Yorkshire. He has played two Tests for Australia and has got seven wickets.

However, it is fast medium bowler Scott Boland, who looks a more likely first XI starter in Hazlewood’s absence, in conditions which suits seam-up, hit-the-deck the type of deliveries. The five-Test Ashes series in England will start on 16 June, and Hazlewood, who has already missed a plenty of Test cricket action for Australia, will get more time to be ready for the all-important series.

Hazlewood sustained the side strain during his injury-marred stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the recently-concluded IPL in which he played only three games without much success before flying back home.

Hazlewood had returned to bowling upon his return in Sydney, since scans had shown no damage or injury. Even though he is considered one of the pillars of three-man Australia pace attack, the 32-year-old has not featured regularly in Test cricket, playing only four of the last 19 matches owing to a spate of injuries.

With inputs from PTI 

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