Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood will miss the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka as he continues to recover from a calf injury. Hazlewood had previously targeted a return for the series, marking Australia’s first tour to Sri Lanka in three years, but the injury has sidelined him. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Hazlewood is expected to miss the Test matches in Sri Lanka. With Australia already having secured a place in the World Test Championship final, selectors are taking a cautious approach, ensuring players are rested.
Hazlewood had previously missed the last two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after suffering the injury in the third Test in Brisbane. Australian selectors will meet on Wednesday to finalize the team, which could consist of up to 16 players. Hazlewood’s omission adds to the absence of other key players, including skipper Pat Cummins, who had already confirmed he won’t be available for the Sri Lanka tour.
In 2018, Cummins and Mitchell Starc were the only frontline pacers chosen for the Sri Lanka tour, which ended in a 1-1 draw. This time, selectors will also be focusing on selecting players for the upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19 to March 9. Australia, who exited the previous edition in the group stage with no wins, will be aiming for a stronger showing this time.
The likes of Pat Cummins (Sydney Thunder), Josh Hazlewood (Sydney Sixers), Scott Boland (Melbourne Stars), Mitchell Starc (Sydney Sixers), Travis Head (Adelaide Strikers), and Nathan Lyon (Melbourne Renegades) will all be sitting out the entirety of the Big Bash season, both at home and away. Australia will be looking to defend their World Test Championship title in June against South Africa.
