Injuries have struck again as veteran fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the first Test between Australia and India. With Hazlewood and fellow pace bowlers Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green already out, a new face is needed to step up for the Aussies.

Pat Cummins is the only confirmed pace bowler for the Test, leaving two other spots up for grabs. Scott Boland, who has 28 wickets in 6 matches for Australia with an average of 12.21, and uncapped tearaway Lance Morris, who has taken 59 first-class wickets for Western Australia, are the top contenders for the role.

Ian Healy, the former Australian cricketer, thinks both Boland and Morris could make the final XI for the opening Test. He says, “if we play two spinners, we might need both Boland and Morris, but if we go with three quicks, Morris gets in. Cummins and Morris alone might not be enough to win in India.” The race is on to see who will fill the void left by Hazlewood in the upcoming India Test.

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Who will replace Josh Hazlewood?

It looks like Scott Boland is in a pole position to fill the void left by Hazlewood in the upcoming India vs Australia Test.

Boland has established himself as a fan favorite with a fantastic Test record in Australia, and it’s time for him to take the field overseas in the green and gold.

Lance Morris is another option for the Australian side and could earn a debut, especially with the absence of Cameron Green as a fast-bowling alternative.

Also Read: Josh Hazlewood Out for Australia’s First Test Against India Due to Injury

Scott Boland’s career stats