AUS vs IND: This is why Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will not play in the remaining T20I series against India

Australia’s great fast bowler Josh Hazlewood He will miss the remaining matches of the T20 series against India to prioritize preparations for the upcoming Ashes 2025 campaign, which begins in Perth on November 21. The decision came after Hazlewood’s match-winning performance in the second T20I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where he was named player of the match for his impressive spell of 3 wickets for 13 runs.

Josh Hazlewood will not play in the remaining T20I matches against India

Hazlewood has opted to temporarily step away from the T20I format to improve his bowling for Test cricket. The veteran fast bowler stressed the importance of adjusting to the rhythm of the red ball ahead of the Ashes series against England.

The Australian fast bowler is expected to play in the Sheffield Shield match for New South Wales against Victoria before joining up with the national Test team in Perth.

Hazlewood’s absence is a big blow for Australia

Hazlewood’s absence is a big blow for Australia, especially after his impressive performance in the second T20I. The right-arm fast bowler led Australia’s attack by dismissing key Indian batsmen Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Verma, leading to a top-order collapse. His precise line and length limited India’s scoring opportunities and paved the way for Australia’s four-wicket win, giving them a 1–0 lead in the five-match series.

His ability to attack early and maintain pressure in the powerplay overs has been the hallmark of Australia’s recent T20 success. With Hazlewood unavailable, the team will rely on its depth in pace options to fill the void.

Also read: Due to the brilliant bowling of Josh Hazlewood, Australia got a strong victory over India in the second T20 match, fans went crazy.

Australia announces updated squad for remaining T20 matches against India

Following Hazlewood’s return, Cricket Australia (CA) has announced a rotational squad for the remaining three T20Is. Captain Mitchell Marsh will continue to lead the team, with a mix of experience and youth in the lineup.

Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott (3rd game), Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis (4th and 5th games), Nathan Ellis, Mahali Beardman (games 3-5), Travis Head, Josh Philippe, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnman, Mitchell Owen, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

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