Josh Hazlewood ruled out of World Test Championship Final

Seamer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) Final, which is set to be contested between India and Australia at the Kia Oval from June 7th. Michael Neser, who has played two Tests for the Kangaroos, has been drafted in as Hazlewood’s replacement. 

Hazlewood was named in Australia’s 15-man squad despite question marks over his fitness, with the pacer currently managing an achilles injury and a side strain - due to which he flew back home early from IPL 2023 - that led to some doubt on his inclusion in the side. 

With Australia set to play the Ashes right after the WTC Final, Cricket Australia have chosen to give Hazlewood some time to fully recover, as per their Chairman of Selectors, George Bailey. 

He said, “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."

Bailey further added, “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.”

Although Hazlewood’s absence will dent Australia, they still pose a massive threat with the pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland very capable of making the ball talk in the pacer friendly conditions of England.