Cricket Australia issues an official statement on Josh Hazlewood's availability for India 3rd Test

Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood took a major step towards proving his fitness for the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against India in Brisbane. Notably, Josh is currently recovering from a side strain.

Hazlewood bowled at near full pace during an extended session at the Adelaide Oval on Monday (December 9). The fast bowler also went through multiple spells to test his readiness for the Test match.

Josh Hazlewood’s recovery progress sparks selection dilemma for Gabba Test

However, after his extended spell in Adelaide on Monday, Hazlewood revealed that it will take another 24 hours to fully assess his recovery and confirm his availability for the third Test against India, starting on December 14 at The Gabba.

If he is cleared to play, the Australian selectors face a tough decision between Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland, who impressed in the Adelaide Test with figures of 5/105 during the team’s massive 10-wicket win to level the ongoing five-match Test series 1-1 against India.

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Speaking to media in Adelaide on Monday, Josh Hazlewood revealed that his match fitness for the upcoming third Test match depends on how his body responds in the next 24 hours following his intense fitness assessment. The Australian pacer also emphasized the importance of testing his ability to bowl multiple spells with high intensity in a single day to prove his fitness.

Josh Hazlewood faces 24-hour test to prove Fitness for The Gabba Test

According to a report by cricket.com.au, Josh Hazlewood told media after his practice session in Adelaide: “I think it'll be how I pull up in the 24 hours following it really. It’s just that repetitive (action) and obviously two spells make a big difference.”

Furthermore, Hazlewood revealed that their main focus is on how well he recovers after cooling down and whether his body is ready to handle the demands of another spell the following day. He added that this recovery time will determine his readiness to return to action at The Gabba.

The Australian pacer further explained, “Cooling down pretty much fully and then going again in the same day, and the intensity has got to be right up there as well. So, a few boxes to tick, but it's probably the 24 hours that follow and pulling up again the next day and then thinking, 'Yeah, I'd be right to go again if I had to'.”

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Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood's recurring side injuries have been frustrating but have helped him recognize early signs of issues. His injury is both structural and muscular, with a small gap between his rib cage and hip bone increasing the risk, so he decided to skip the Adelaide Test to avoid further damage.

Hazlewood opens up about his latest injury

The Australian pacer further stated, “It's not necessarily your typical side strain, which I've had a couple of in my career. It’s caused me a lot of trouble over the last few years. If Adelaide was the last Test of the summer, I could have potentially run the gauntlet and played. I think I would have been in a pretty bad state by the end of the game, even though it was only a short game, but it just wasn't quite right.”

Hazlewood also insisted that he is very familiar with his injury and knows the signs and sensations it brings. The Australian pacer also noted that this experience helps him assess his condition during sessions, making it easier to decide what he can handle and when he’s ready to play. He signed off by saying that this understanding is a positive aspect of his recovery process.