Australia hit with massive injury concern in pace-bowling unit

In the crucial Brisbane Test, while hosts Australia have earned a massive advantage, they have been hit by a fresh injury concern in the first session of the fourth day as one of the key pacers couldn’t bowl much. 

After scoring 445 runs in the first innings of the Gabba Test, Australian pacers dominated on the third day as India were struggling at 51/4. Apart from the opener KL Rahul, who remained not out at 33 runs, all other Indian batters failed to reach double-digit scores.

Watch: KL Rahul's century denied by Steven Smith's stunning catch

Josh Hazlewood reported calf awareness

On the fourth day, Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood could bowl only one over in the first session due to a calf injury. During warm-up, the right-arm pacer felt discomfort in the calf. Later, it was revealed that the right-arm pacer was taken for scans in the treatment for calf awareness. 

An Australian spokesperson said, "Josh Hazlewood reported calf awareness in this morning’s warm-up. He will be taken for scans to assess the injury. Any updates will be shared in due course."

During India’s first innings of the Brisbane Test, Hazlewood picked up the wicket of the former Indian captain Virat Kohli. 

Hazlewood missed the Adelaide Test

Hazlewood missed out on the second Test of the ongoing five-match Test series at Adelaide Oval, which was a day-night pink ball Test match, due to a side strain. Scott Boland replaced him for that Test match, and the right-arm pacer troubled the Indian batters heavily. 

The five-match Test series, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, is currently standing at 1-1. While the visitors India started this Test series with a victory by 295 runs at Perth Stadium, Australia won the pink-ball Adelaide Test match by 10 wickets.