Australia faced a significant setback at the beginning of Day 4 in the third Test against India at the Gabba in Brisbane. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood exited the field after delivering only one over. An Australian team spokesperson reported that he was experiencing "calf awareness" and would undergo scans promptly to assess the severity of the injury. This raises serious concerns regarding Hazlewood's ability to participate in the remainder of the Test match.

Prior to the match, Hazlewood discussed his condition with medical personnel and coach Andrew McDonald, and he appeared to be moving cautiously when he received the ball on Tuesday morning. His initial delivery was noticeably short and wide, registering a speed of only 128kph.

During the subsequent drinks break, the 33-year-old completed his over but later engaged in discussions with captain Pat Cummins, vice-captain Steve Smith, and physiotherapist Nick Jones.

Question marks over Hazlewood's recovery

Having missed the Adelaide Test due to a side injury, Australia confirmed that he was fit to participate in Brisbane. He showed no visible difficulties while bowling five overs on a rain-affected third day, even securing the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli.

Nevertheless, he managed to bowl only one additional over on the fourth day before departing the field. During a drinks break interview with Fox Cricket, Nathan Lyon stated that Hazlewood's condition was “all good,” but noted that he had not spoken with him during the interval.

There was considerable discussion regarding Hazlewood's injury, particularly after some former Indian cricketers, including the esteemed Sunil Gavaskar, speculated whether it was a consequence of the fast bowler's comments about the batters' lack of performance following Australia's defeat in the first Test.

As the series transitioned from Adelaide to Brisbane, concerns about his availability arose. However, the Australian management opted to reinstate Hazlewood, who proved effective in his limited overs.

Hazlewood bowled six overs, yielding 22 runs at an economy rate of 3.70, and took the pivotal wicket of the renowned Virat Kohli.

With Hazlewood temporarily unavailable and uncertainty surrounding his participation, Cummins will need to strategically manage his bowlers as a determined India aims to recover in the third Test.

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