IND vs AUS WTC Final: Australia star pacer Josh Hazlewood has officially been ruled out of India vs Australia World Test Championship Final (WTC Final 2023) as he is still managing a left Achilles issue as well as a side injury that flared up during 2023 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2023). Michael Neser, who has two Tests to his name, has been named as Hazlewood's replacement in Australia's 15-member squad for this week's World Test Championship decider. Hazlewood has been battling with multiple injuries over the last six months. The senior pacer even had to cut short his IPL stint with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) due to a side issue after featuring in just three games for the franchise. He sustained a left Achilles niggle in January's Test against South Africa.
Notably, Hazlewood arrived in England for the WTC fixture and was named in Australia's final squad for the event but he is yet to prove full fitness, which ruled him out of the summit clash. The pacer is still part of the Australian squad for the first Ashes Test on June 16.
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"Josh was very, very close to being given the green light but we are cognisant that our upcoming schedule means this is not a one-off Test match of us," Chair of Selectors George Bailey was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au .
"Michael’s County form has been strong and knowing that he was going to be close by allowed for him to keep playing and for us to be able to call on him. He is a great strength to have as part of the fast bowling group.
"This will give Josh an ideal preparation leading into Edgbaston. With six Test matches in a little over seven weeks we will need all of our fast bowling assets."
In past three years, 32-year-old Hazlewood has played just four Tests for Australia due to a series of injuries.