Former Australia seamer Damien Fleming feels Josh Hazlewood’s injury is not a bigger and expects the speedster to return for Boxing Day Test match against India in Melbourne.
Josh Hazlewood will miss at least the second Test against India in Adelaide with a left side strain.
“Without a doubt (it’s a concern). But, it depends on the grade of the tear, they’re saying it’s slight,” Fleming told SEN Afternoons.
“My gut feel is if it’s very slight, he’d be a chance for Boxing Day.
“But if it’s a significant side strain, then he won’t play any further part in this Test series … that’s without knowing the grade.
“I know fast bowlers have been out for three months with what we call ‘the grunter muscle’, it’s a very common injury.
“At best, I think Boxing Day, at worst, that’s the end of the Test summer.”
Josh Hazlewood was Australia’s best bowler in the first innings of the Perth Test, taking 4 for 29 as India were bowled out for 150. The pacer was economical with 1 for 28 from 21 overs in the second innings.
Hazlewood was also one of Australia’s best the last time India played in Adelaide, taking 5 for 8 in five overs as India were bowled out for 36.
The Australian selectors have added two uncapped players Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett to the squad for the second Test match against India in Adelaide that will be played under lights.
Australia squad for the second Test
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster, Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett