AUS vs SA: Josh Hazlewood Ruled Out Of First South Africa Test, Skipper Pat Cummins Likely To Return For Series Opener

Australia will host a three-match Test series against South Africa, with the first scheduled for Saturday, December 17 at the Gabba. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the first Test match with a side strain, while captain Pat Cummins is expected to recover from a quadricep injury.

The Australian selectors named a 14-player squad on Monday for the highly anticipated match. The 31-year-old pacer is Australia’s only exclusion from the team that just swept the West Indies in a two-match Test series and might return to the Boxing Day Test. With Pat Cummins returning to the playing XI after missing the second Test, either Michael Neser or Scott Boland will be dropped in Brisbane.

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Josh Hazlewood Will Need More Time – George Bailey

Michael Neser and Lance Morris have been retained in the team for the match against the Proteas. Chief Selector George Bailey is hopeful that Cummins will be able to play in the series opener. Bailey praised Neser and Boland’s performances in the pink ball test against the West Indies. He believes Morris will benefit from spending time with the team.

“Pat continues to improve, bowled with freedom on Saturday, and appears likely to play this match although Josh will need more time. With that in mind, we have retained Michael Neser and Lance Morris in the squad for this match,” Bailey said in an official statement.

“Michael bowled superbly in Adelaide, as did Scott. We were impressed as always with their performances that backed up what they have achieved in the past. Lance is a very exciting prospect who will benefit from time with the squad. With so much cricket ahead, we continue to seek opportunities to grow and maintain our fast-bowling experience and depth,” he added.