Huge blow for Australia: Josh Hazlewood ruled out of Sri Lanka tour

Australia have been dealt with a big blow ahead of their Test series against Sri Lanka. The team's premier fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is all set to miss the upcoming series after suffering a calf injury in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India.

After the injury in the Tests against India, Hazlewood was ruled out of the whole series. However, Australia had enough bowling depth in their ranks and Hazlewood's replacement Scott Boland played a key role in Australia's historic 3-1 series win.

Hazlewood was injured midway through the third Test which didn't allow him to bowl in the second innings of the match. It affected Australia's chances as India managed to sneak out a draw in a rain-affected game.

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Josh Hazlewood set to miss Test series against Sri Lanka

Josh Hazlewood had earlier stated that he is targeting a return to the Test team from the tour of Sri Lanka. However, he is now set to miss the entire series as the selectors don't want to rush him.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Hazlewood is unlikely to play Tests in Sri Lanka. He might have struggled to play even if he would have been fit because of Australia's big depth in their fast bowling attack.

Josh Hazlewood is unlikely to feature in Australia's Test tour of Sri Lanka, per @tomdecent pic.twitter.com/yDV8ZiKEEu

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 7, 2025

Despite the absence of Pat Cummins, Australia have capable world-class quicks in the form of Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland. While Starc is one of the potent fast bowlers in subcontinent conditions because of his ability to reverse-swing the ball, Boland performed exceptionally well in the recent series against India.

Spin to play a role

Spin is likely to play a big role in the series against Sri Lanka which means the appointment of Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhnemann in the touring squad. Nathan Lyon is likely to be partnered by one of these spinners depending upon the opposition and conditions.

The selectors will finalise the 16-member Test squad on January 8 but the announcement is set to take place the next day. Since Australia have already qualified for the World Test Championship Final, the selectors are unwilling to take any risks with Hazlewood.

Josh Hazlewood played the first Test against India but didn't play the second Test in Adelaide. He came back for the third Test in Brisbane but got injured midway to be ruled out of the next two matches.

Australia reach the WTC Final

After the fifth Test against India, Australia confirmed its spot in the WTC Final where they will face South Africa in June at Lord's. It will be the second successive final for Australia after they won the title last time.

Josh Hazlewood will now set his eyes on the Champions Trophy which will begin on February this year. Hazlewood will be one of the premier fast bowlers for his team given his experience and skills in such conditions.