Josh Hazlewood boasts an impressive track record at the Gabba in Brisbane and is poised to make his return for the forthcoming third Test of the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy. After missing the Adelaide pink-ball Test due to a side strain, there were concerns regarding his ability to recover in time for the match against India, scheduled to commence on Saturday, December 14.

Contrary to initial expectations, it appears that Josh Hazlewood has experienced a quicker recovery. On Monday, the pacer, who has claimed 278 Test wickets, was observed bowling vigorously at the Adelaide Oval.

According to Australian journalists covering the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Hazlewood completed two bowling spells at the Adelaide Oval on Monday and appeared quite satisfied with his performance.

Having levelled the five-match series by winning the Adelaide Test by 10 wickets, Australia stands to gain significantly if Hazlewood is fit and available for selection in Brisbane.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting previously stated that despite Scott Boland's impressive performance in Adelaide, he would still favour including Josh Hazlewood in the playing XI.

"Although Boland has delivered an outstanding bowling display, I would still choose Hazlewood for the playing XI in Brisbane," Ponting was quoted as saying by Yahoo Sport Australia.

Hazlewood's impressive record in Brisbane

Josh Hazlewood has participated in eight Test matches in Brisbane, achieving 37 wickets with an impressive average of 23.75. Notably, he has recorded two five-wicket hauls at the Gabba.

It is worth mentioning that Hazlewood was responsible for dismissing Virat Kohli during the first innings of the Perth Test. With both Kohli and Rohit Sharma facing difficulties in scoring runs, Hazlewood's potential return could serve as a significant advantage.

Following the victory in Adelaide, Australian captain Pat Cummins provided an update regarding Hazlewood's condition, indicating that the fast bowler is expected to be "alright" for the Brisbane match.

"(Josh Hazlewood) will need to bowl tomorrow, so everything is on schedule. He will bowl tomorrow, and we will evaluate his condition afterwards. But thus far, everything has proceeded as planned," Cummins stated during the post-match press conference.

"We are quite optimistic that he will be fit for Brisbane, and we will have more information in the coming days. If someone has to be left out, it would be quite unfortunate," he added.

In Hazlewood's absence, Scott Boland stepped up for Australia in Adelaide, claiming a total of five wickets in the Test, including the crucial wicket of Virat Kohli in the second innings.

Read Also: "Gukesh's Chess Philosophy: Cautious Moves in High-Stakes Games"

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!