The second World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and Australia is just three days away, and fans can’t wait for the action to begin. The Kennington Oval in London will host the match, which will begin on June 7.
Sadly, the Aussies experienced a monstrous injury alarm with their key bowler Josh Hazlewood governed out of the highest point conflict. He has been dealing with an Achilles injury and a second side injury recently, both of which compelled Australia to decline his application.
Given that Australia will play five Ashes matches shortly after the WTC final, this choice is understandable.
Michael Neser has been selected to take Hazlewood’s place for the big game, but Neser has big shoes to fill.
In light of this, let’s take a look at three reasons why Josh Hazlewood won’t compete for the Australians in the WTC final.
1 Josh Hazlewood’s insight
Experience is unquestionably something that can’t be purchased and Hazlewood, 32, has loads of it. Hazlewood has represented his country in 59 matches, taking 222 wickets, since making his Test debut in 2014.
He has received a lot of praise over the years for his flawless lines and lengths, which have troubled even the best batters.
Hazlewood, with all of his experience, would have been crucial for Australia, whereas Neser has a good record in first-class competition and has also performed well under English conditions.
2 Record Against Team India
Josh Hazlewood has a great record against Team India, so Rohit Sharma and co. will be relieved by his injury. Hazlewood has taken 51 wickets in 15 Tests against India, including four five-wicket hauls. He has additionally had the edge against a portion of India’s top hitters, including Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and Virat Kohli.
Hazlewood has excused Pujara on six events, Rahane multiple times, and Kohli threefold in the longest organization of the game. He has constantly irritated the trio, and Pat Cummins and co. will sincerely miss him in the WTC final.
3 Record in England
Hazelwood’s performances under English conditions also demonstrate that Australia will greatly miss him. The lanky pacer has taken 36 wickets at an incredible average of 23.58 in eight Test matches played in the UK.
His best runs come from England and other nations where he has played at least five Tests. His record in the UK, along with his numbers against India’s center request would have made him a risky client in the WTC last yet sadly, it wasn’t intended to be.