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Josh Hazlewood Ruled Out? Australia's Strongest XI For 4th Test Vs India In BGT 2024

Debashis Sarangi

Josh Hazlewood sustained an injury this morning [Source: AP]Josh Hazlewood sustained an injury this morning [Source: AP]

Australia suffered a massive setback during the Brisbane Test against India, with ace speedster Josh Hazlewood sustaining a calf injury. The veteran fast bowler, who got the prized scalp of Virat Kohli, left the field in agony after bowling just a single over on the penultimate day. 

Hazlewood has had a recent injury history, as he was ruled out of the second Test in Adelaide due to a left side strain. So, considering the fast bowler has walked off the field and gone for scans, he might be ruled out of the fourth Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. 

In such a scenario, Australia will likely bring Scott Boland as a replacement for Hazlewood into their playing XI. 

Will Scott Boland Replace Hazlewood in MCG Test?

Scott Boland has had an impressive Test career, scalping 40 wickets in 11 Tests. Apart from him, Australia have a few other potent pacers; however, Boland seems to be the front-runner in the race, having replaced Hazlewood in the second Test. 

Besides his solid numbers in Tests, Boland's stellar record at MCG supports his candidature as Hazlewood's replacement. In two Tests, the right-arm pacer has bagged ten wickets at his home ground at an incredible average of 13.80 and a strike rate of 27.60. Therefore, he can capitalise on the home advantage and pose a serious threat to the Indian batters in Melbourne. 

Out-Of-Form Khawaja Likely To Retain His Place

Regarding Australia's batting department, there's a genuine concern at the top-order, with Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Nathan McSweeney consistently struggling to score runs this BGT. 

While Labuschagne's gritty fifty in Adelaide might help him retain his place, question marks have been raised particularly on Khawaja, as the southpaw has managed only 47 runs in four innings. However, with Australia lacking an able reserve opener, Khawaja will likely play the MCG Test. 

The remainder of the Australian lineup will likely be unchanged, with Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Starc and skipper Pat Cummins forming the core. 

Australia's Strongest Playing XI For 4th Test vs India

Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon