Josh Hazlewood out of WTC final

beckenham (Best Hindu News): Australia’s experienced fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the World Test Championship final against India from June 7 due to a heel injury. Cricket Australia (CA) gave this information on Sunday.

Michael Neser has been included in Australia’s 15-man squad in place of Hazlewood. CA said in a release that Hazlewood has bowled in recent practice sessions but he is still struggling with a left heel and abdominal muscle (side strain).

Australia’s chief selector George Bailey said, “Josh could have been flagged but we can’t just focus on this game and forget about our upcoming matches.”

“Michael has done exceptionally well in county cricket and knowing he will be close to the (national team), he continued to play there and we were able to invite him (to join the squad),” he added. We have a good player to add to the fast bowling group.”

After taking on India in the WTC final at The Oval in London, Australia will also face England in a five-match Ashes Test series, starting on June 16 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

Bailey said, “This will give Josh enough preparation time before landing at Edgbaston. We will need all our fast bowlers to play six Tests in about seven weeks.

Australia coach Andrew McDonald said that while his team is eyeing to win the WTC title, it cannot afford to put its fast bowlers at risk.

McDonald told reporters, “Obviously we considered (upcoming matches). We cannot go further. We have got to play the WTC final which we are looking forward to. But after that we have to turn our attention to England and the Ashes as well.”

He said, “There is going to be very little time for this, but we are used to it. We will always consider the management. I would say that there will be changes in our fast bowlers.

Neser is already playing for Glamorgan in the County Championship in England where he has taken 19 wickets at an average of 25.63.

It is noteworthy that Hazlewood has played only three Tests in the last three years due to repeated injuries. Royal Challengers Bangalore player Hazlewood could play only three matches in IPL this year as well.

Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Steve Smith (Vice-Captain), Mitchell Starc, David Warner.

Indian team: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishan Kishan, KS Bharat (wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Akshar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav Jaydev Unadkat.