Josh Hazlewood Doubtful For Boxing Day Test, Jhye Richardson Likely To Be Retained By Australia

Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is likely to be unavailable for the third Test against England at Melbourne. Hazlewood had suffered a side strain during the first Test and had to sit out the second Test.

Although he looks to be match-fit, the selectors don’t want to rush his comeback and want to give him some extra rest so that he comes back strongly in the New Year’s Test at Sydney. Australian all-rounder Cameron Green gave an update on the fitness of Hazlewood.

“He’s going really well,” said Cameron Green on Friday. “He was doing his run-throughs today and he’s looking really good. I haven’t spoken to the guys for this game, but definitely lock him in for Sydney.”

Jhye Richardson had an impactful performance for Australia

Jhye Richardson was the replacement for Josh Hazlewood and he played his part to almost perfection. His five-wicket haul in the second innings broke England’s resistance and gave Australia a crucial victory. With Hazlewood still not convincingly fit, Richardson will be in line to retain his place in the lineup.

“I spoke to him today and he is good to go,” Green said of Richardson. “He was so pumped after how he went in that second innings, as you would be, and he’s ready to go again.”

Green also explained why he didn’t bowl in the second innings of the last Test. He felt that the captain thought there was enough quality in the Australian quicks and Lyon and that he wasn’t needed. He also believes that having not bowled him keeps him fresh for the upcoming encounter at Melbourne.

“I was completely fine and ready to go,” said Green. “We were just in a really good position. Nathan Lyon was bowling beautifully from one end and then we’ve got three world class pace bowlers to choose from. I wasn’t really required. They just thought we could get through the game without bowling me (in the second innings) and keep me a bit more fresh for this game. The boys bowled beautifully and credit to them,” Green concluded.