Australian pace bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the World Test Championship Final against India that begins on June 7. Even though he was bowling at full tilt in the training sessions, he has been managing a left Achilles issue apart from the side injury that he sustained in the recently-concluded IPL 2023.

“Josh was very, very close to being given the green light but we are cognisant that our upcoming schedule means this is not a one-off Test match for us,” Chair of Selectors George Bailey said. “This will give Josh an ideal preparation leading into Edgbaston. With six Test matches in a little over seven weeks we will need all of our fast bowling assets.”

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However, Australia have added the veteran fast bowler Michael Neser to the squad after Josh Hazlewood was ruled out. After making his debut in the home Ashes series in 2021-22, he went on to play just one more Test after a 12-month gap as well. However, he is not expected to add in the team during the WTC Final with Scott Boland emerging as the first-choice player to earn a place in the Australian XI as well.

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“Michael’s County form has been strong and knowing that he was going to be close by allowed for him to keep playing and for us to be able to call on him,” Bailey further added on Neser. “He is a great strength to have as part of the fast bowling group.”