Australian pace sensation Josh Hazlewood, who delivered a masterful and destructive bowling performance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, will be absent from the third T20 International against India in Hobart this Sunday. This strategic decision offers a significant reprieve for India’s top order, still reeling from his hostile spell that saw them collapse for a mere 125 runs in the previous match.
Hazlewood’s exceptional accuracy and formidable bounce proved insurmountable for the Indian batsmen. The towering quick claimed three wickets for just 13 runs, paving the way for Australia’s four-wicket victory. His consistent ability to pitch the ball on a challenging hard length stifled scoring opportunities, leaving even India’s star players like Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill struggling for answers.
Cricket Australia opted to rest Hazlewood, with the highly anticipated Ashes Test series commencing later this month. This decision aims to ensure his complete fitness for the demanding five-match series, meaning he will not participate in the remaining T20I matches.
Indian opener Abhishek Sharma candidly admitted his relief after the MCG game, stating, “It would obviously be a relief. I have never faced such bowling.” His comments highlighted the Australian speedster’s relentless precision and impact.
However, Hazlewood’s absence could significantly challenge Australia’s bowling attack, as they now look to promising talents like Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, or Sean Abbott to step up and fill the crucial void.
For India, this presents a valuable chance to recalibrate their strategy and address lingering batting weaknesses, particularly against movement. The smaller boundaries at Hobart’s Bellerive Oval might also encourage a bolder, more aggressive approach from their batsmen.
Despite the changes, one topic continues to stir passionate debate: the persistent exclusion of Arshdeep Singh. The left-arm seamer, who boasts an impressive 101 T20I wickets as India’s leading wicket-taker, remains sidelined. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, speaking on his platform, expressed his clear frustration, asserting that “If Jasprit Bumrah is playing, then Arshdeep Singh’s name should be second on the list of seamers. If Bumrah isn’t playing, then Arshdeep should be first.”
As India aims to find stability and redeem themselves after their significant collapse at the MCG, Hazlewood’s absence could provide the much-needed respite. However, unless the team management revisits its selection strategy, the loud discussions surrounding Arshdeep Singh’s exclusion are only set to intensify.