AUS vs IND: ‘Australia will miss Pink-ball specialist Josh Hazlewood in Adelaide Test, says Nathan Lyon

Australia spinner Nathan Lyon stressed the significant void Josh Hazlewood’s absence would leave in the Day-Night Test against India, starting December 6 in Adelaide. Lyon praised Hazlewood’s invaluable contribution, particularly in pink-ball Tests, while also dismissing speculation of internal rifts within the Australian squad.

Hazlewood’s recent form further underscores his importance. Despite Australia’s crushing 294-run loss to India in the Perth Test, Hazlewood stood out with five wickets, including a four-wicket haul. However, he was ruled out of the Adelaide Test due to a low-grade left-side injury. While the official line is fitness-related, rumours have swirled about potential friction between Hazlewood and other squad members following comments made after the Perth defeat. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Lyon dismissed these rumours, asserting that Hazlewood is the ultimate team player.

“It’s pretty disappointing. The other day when he told me, about four or five days ago now, that he had a little side issue. But, yeah, the quality of a person that Josh is. He is getting around everyone, making sure that everyone’s right here first, but he’s also doing his rehab and training ball. You’ve seen him doing his training tonight, and I think he did a 90-minute rehab session yesterday, so he’s the ultimate team man. To be honest mate, he puts everyone first, and you will see that this week,” Lyon said.

Australia’s Challenge Without Hazlewood

Hazlewood’s record in Day-Night Tests speaks volumes of his prowess. Across eight pink-ball Tests, the pacer has scalped 37 wickets at an impressive average of 18.86, including two five-wicket hauls. Notably, Hazlewood became the first bowler to claim a wicket in pink-ball Test history when he dismissed New Zealand’s Martin Guptill in Adelaide in November 2015. Lyon acknowledged Hazlewood’s unmatched ability to exploit conditions with the pink ball, describing his absence as “a big miss” for the team.

Hazlewood’s recent form further underscores his importance. Despite Australia’s crushing 294-run loss to India in the Perth Test, Hazlewood stood out with five wickets, including a four-wicket haul. However, he was ruled out of the Adelaide Test due to a low-grade left-side injury. While the official line is fitness-related, rumours have swirled about potential friction between Hazlewood and other squad members following comments made after the Perth defeat.

In Hazlewood’s absence, Scott Boland is likely to step in, but matching Hazlewood’s pink-ball expertise is a tall order. Boland has shown his abilities in Tests, but replicating Hazlewood’s consistency under the lights in Adelaide remains uncertain.

High Stakes for Australia

With the team already trailing 0-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A loss in Adelaide would not only put the series beyond reach but also jeopardize Australia’s chances of securing a spot in the World Test Championship final. The team will need to deliver a collective effort to overcome the void left by Hazlewood’s absence.