Big blow for Australia ahead of WTC final vs Team India as Josh Hazlewood is ruled out, Michael Neser named as replacement

Fast bowling all-rounder Michael Neser has been included in Australia’s squad for the World Test Championship final against India starting June 7 at The Oval, in place of Josh Hazlewood. According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), Hazlewood was ruled out of the match due to an ongoing left Achilles and left side issue. Neser, who has played two Tests and as many ODIs for Australia, has been named in the WTC finals squad after being approved by the event’s Technical Committee. Hazlewood also missed this ‘ear tour’ of India due to a left Achilles tendon issue, which delayed his arrival in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. He then left the tournament after playing only three games for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). a side issue.

Just In: Michael Neser replaces Josh Hazlewood in Australia’s squad #WTC23 The finals start on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/AcUHcEYK57– cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) June 4, 2023

Hazlewood had missed most of the last two domestic summers due to a side strain. His absence now means Neser and specialist fast bowler Scott Boland are contenders for the third pacer’s slot, partnering skipper Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.

Chief selector George Bailey said Hazlewood should be available for selection for the first Ashes Test against England starting June 16 at Edgbaston. Cricket.com.au quoted Bailey as saying, this is not our one-off Test match. Injuries over the past two years have meant Hazlewood has played in only four of Australia’s last 19 Tests and has not played in consecutive first-class matches since the start of 2021. He had told the ICC on May 31 that he expected to be ready for the clash at The Oval and bowled a lot in the training session on Saturday.

Neser, on the other hand, has scored 311 runs and taken 19 wickets with scores of 123, 86 and 90, being a standout from his time in the County Championship with Glamorgan so far. Although he was left out of the initial 17-man Australia squad for the WTC final and the Ashes, Neser and Sean Abbott were training with the Test team at Beckenham.

“Michael’s county form has been strong and knowing he was going to be close allowed him to keep playing and for us to be able to call upon him. He is a huge force to be a part of the fast bowling group.”

Former Australia cricketer Bailey said, “It will give Josh an ideal preparation going into Edgbaston. With six Test matches in a little over seven weeks we will need all our fast bowling assets.”

Updated 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 and David Warner

Standby players: Mitch Marsh, Matthew Renshaw