Josh Hazlewood ruled out of ICC WTC final: Here's why

In a blow to the Australian cricket team, star pacer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC World Test Championship final, starting June 7. Hazlewood's Achilles and side issue forced him to miss the grand finale. He has been reeling from the injury since his stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore early during the Indian Premier League 2023.

• As Hazlewood's stocks across formats have gone up lately, his unavailability would be a dent in Australia's plans.
• He is a part of Australia's pace trio that has been crucial to the side, the others being Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
• He suffered the Achilles injury after bowling on damp run-ups at the SCG Test versus South Africa in January.

Updated Australia squad: Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wicket-keeper), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wicket-keeper), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Steven Smith (vice-captain), Mitchell Starc, and David Warner. Standby players: Mitch Marsh and Matthew Renshaw.

Earlier this year, Hazlewood sustained an Achilles injury during the Sydney Test versus South Africa. While the fast bowler was named in Australia's squads for India Tests, he didn't take part in the series. He, hence, headed back to Sydney for recovery. The pacer also missed the ODI leg of India's tour. Hazlewood last appeared in whites in January this year.

Injuries have troubled Hazlewood as he has played just four Tests in the last two years. In this period, he hasn't played more than one Test in a series. He played the opening home Test against West Indies in December last year and subsequently missed three Tests. Hazlewood then returned for the Sydney Test against SA, where he got injured again.

Hazlewood made his Test debut in December 2014 against India and bagged a five-wicket haul. He has so far played 59 Tests, scalping a total of 222 wickets at 25.83. The tally includes nine five-wicket hauls. Against India, he owns 51 wickets in 15 Tests at 26.94. Interestingly, four of his nine Test five-fors have been recorded against the Indian team.

Hazlewood's absence makes Scott Boland a front-runner to be a certain starter in the XI for the WTC final, starting June 7 at The Oval. As far as the former's replacement is concerned, bowling all-rounder Michael Neser has been included in the squad.