Before the ICC World Test Championship Final, the Australian cricket team has suffered a significant setback. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will not be able to participate in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against India due to an injury. In the absence of Josh Hazlewood, the all-rounder Michael Neser has been chosen to take his place in the squad. Hazlewood has suffered from an Achilles niggle and has been dealing with an injury. He initially incurred the injury while bowling on the wet run-ups during the Test match against South Africa at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in January.
Due to this injury, Hazlewood also had to miss a significant portion of the IPL 2023. However, Josh Hazelwood is recovering well and doesn’t want to take risks ahead of the important Test schedules. Hazelwood is expected to be fit before the Ashes against England. The first test match will be played on June 16 in Birmingham. Michael Neser will be eyeing for a spot in the team alongside Scott Boland. Boland has made an impressive start to his Test career, claiming 28 wickets at an impressive average of 13.42 in his first seven matches.
This competition between Neser and Boland adds an interesting dynamic to the selection process for the upcoming matches. Australia’s updated squad for WTC Final vs India: Pat Cummins (C), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (WK), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Steve Smith (VC), Mitchell Starc, David Warner.
