The Australian cricket team is under the spotlight as questions arise following Josh Hazlewood’s surprising exclusion from the second Test against India due to a reported side strain. Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has stirred the conversation further, hinting at potential underlying tensions within the Australian camp, drawing comparisons to similar past incidents in Indian cricket.
Hazlewood’s absence came as a shock, especially since he appeared in good health during a press interaction on Day 3 of the Perth Test. His candid remarks during the media session, where he subtly criticized the team’s batting performance, have fueled speculation about unrest in the Australian dressing room.
While the official statement cites a “low-grade left-side injury,” the timing of the announcement has raised eyebrows, leading to whispers of deeper issues behind the scenes. Ahead of the Day-Night Test at Adelaide Oval, Sunil Gavaskar voiced his observations in a Sportstar column, noting parallels to past scenarios in Indian cricket. He remarked on the apparent “panic” within the Australian setup after their crushing 295-run defeat in Perth.
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“The panic in the Australian ranks is palpable,” Sunil Gavaskar wrote. “Former players are calling for heads to roll, and Hazlewood’s media interview at the end of the third day hinted at cracks in the team. Now, he’s suddenly ruled out—strange, since there were no visible signs of injury during his media appearance.”
Gavaskar’s critique didn’t stop there. He cheekily added, “Mystery, mystery—the like of which used to be common in Indian cricket in the past. Now it’s the Aussies, and like old McDonald, I’m simply loving it.”
Josh Hazlewood, one of Australia’s standout bowlers in the Perth Test with a five-wicket haul, was instrumental in keeping the team competitive. His absence for the second Test is a significant blow, leaving Australia to seek alternatives in their pace attack. Scott Boland, known for his consistency, is the leading candidate to replace Hazlewood for the Day-Night Test.
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Furthermore, the team has summoned Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett. Abbott, an experienced white-ball bowler with 46 international matches under his belt, has not yet made his Test debut. Meanwhile, Doggett, who has taken 142 first-class wickets, is recognized for his impressive pace and swing.
The upcoming Adelaide Test, starting December 6, holds immense significance for the hosts. Trailing 0-1 in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia faces mounting pressure to bounce back. Whether they can overcome internal challenges and deliver a stronger performance remains to be seen.
