IND vs AUS: Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the remaining two Tests, set to return home

image-lecgj7z6Hazlewood training before the Delhi Test (AP Photo)

On Sunday, the Pat Cummins-led Australia suffered a heavy blow when they lost nine of their wickets inside a session, to bow down to India in the second Test of the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2023).

If salt on the burnt wounds can accurately be explained in a situation, the condition of Australia is a perfect fit. Earlier in the morning, it was broken that their captain will return back home due to personal reasons. And now, veteran seamer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled off the remaining tour.

Australian coach Andrew McDonald revealed that the New South Wales-born, despite training before the recent match, has complained of uneasiness in his Achilles' foot. Thus, the team management has decided to send the experienced seamer back home for better rehabilitation. 

Meanwhile, McDonald also poured some light on Todd Murphy, who suffered a side injured while bowling in the second Test. However, considering the timeframe between now and the next game, the head coach hinted that the rookie off-spinner would be playing fit for Indore.

The visitors are already finding it tough to get their players match fit in the ongoing series. Apart from Hazlewood, they have travelled with unfit Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green, because of which they had to play just one pace-bowling option.

Although to their relief, Starc and Green have regained full fitness and will be considered for a playing spot in the Indore Test.

Talking about Cummins & co. recent outing, despite batting solidly on the eve of Day 2 of the Delhi Test, they were foxed by their double-edged sword, i.e. sweep shots, to the accurate bowling of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin on a low-bounced track.