By worldlive 
Just now: What we never expected! “Josh Hazlewood Escorted in Black Van Amid Fitness Concerns as Australia Weighs Key Bowling Lineup Decisions for Crucial Third Test Against India”…
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood, a key figure in their cricketing arsenal, has become the center of attention in the lead-up to the third Test against India in Brisbane.
The fast bowler, recovering from a side strain that sidelined him for the second Test in Adelaide, was seen being whisked away in a black van during a training session, sparking speculation about his fitness and availability.
Fitness Race for Brisbane
Hazlewood’s injury, while minor, forced him to miss the second Test, where Australia leveled the series 1-1 with a dominant performance.
Captain Pat Cummins confirmed that Hazlewood has been progressing well in his rehabilitation, noting that he was scheduled for a pivotal training session to test his readiness. His removal from practice, however, has raised questions about whether he is fully prepared for the high-stakes match.
Cummins remained cautiously optimistic, stating that Hazlewood would bowl the following day and that his recovery was “on track.”
However, the unusual circumstances surrounding Hazlewood’s exit suggest that the team management is leaving nothing to chance. His condition will likely be reassessed before the final decision is made on his inclusion in the playing XI.
Selection Dilemma
Hazlewood’s return could create a selection headache for the Australian side. In his absence, Scott Boland stepped up admirably in Adelaide, taking five wickets across both innings and contributing significantly to Australia’s victory.
Boland’s performance has sparked debate about whether he should retain his place, even if Hazlewood is declared fit. Cummins acknowledged that whoever makes way for Hazlewood would be “unlucky” given the strong form of the bowling unit.
This scenario underscores Australia’s embarrassment of riches in their pace attack. With Mitchell Starc and Cummins themselves in sublime form—Starc claimed six wickets in the first innings in Adelaide, and Cummins added a five-wicket haul in the second—Australia has a formidable lineup even without Hazlewood.
Strategic Importance of Hazlewood
Known for his precision and ability to exploit bounce, Hazlewood has been a linchpin in Australia’s bowling strategy, particularly in Brisbane, where conditions often favor fast bowlers. His potential inclusion would add depth to the attack, providing a challenge for an Indian batting lineup that struggled against pace in Adelaide.
Hazlewood’s previous performances against India highlight his impact; in Perth earlier in the series, he recorded figures of 4-29, playing a crucial role in restricting India to just 150 runs.
The third Test is critical for both teams. With the series tied, the outcome in Brisbane will have a significant impact on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and potentially the World Test Championship standings.
For India, finding ways to counter Australia’s pace attack, potentially bolstered by Hazlewood’s return, will be crucial.
Broader Implications
Hazlewood’s situation exemplifies the fine balance between player fitness and team needs in high-pressure international cricket. While the priority remains ensuring he is fully recovered to avoid aggravating the injury, the stakes of the series make his availability a tantalizing prospect for Australia. The next few days will be pivotal as team management assesses his fitness and finalizes the playing XI.
In the meantime, Hazlewood’s unexpected departure in the black van has left fans and analysts speculating. Whether it was a precautionary measure or an indication of lingering concerns remains to be seen.
What’s certain is that his potential return could tilt the scales in Australia’s favor as they aim to take control of the series in Brisbane.