The much-awaited final of the World Test Championship (WTC) between India and Australia kicked off with a captivating twist as Indian skipper Rohit Sharma won the crucial toss at the iconic Oval in London. With both teams eyeing the ultimate glory in the pinnacle event of Test cricket, Rohit’s decision to bowl first sent a ripple of excitement through the stadium, setting the tone for an enthralling battle.
Why is Josh Hazlewood not playing today against India in the WTC final?
In a significant blow to the Australian cricket team, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was sidelined for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against India. Hazlewood, who has been battling injury since his early departure from the Indian Premier League (IPL) while representing the Royal Challengers Bangalore, will not take part in the ultimate clash of the tournament. Australia has opted to prioritize his recovery and avoid any risks ahead of a demanding upcoming schedule.
Hazlewood’s injury concerns have persisted since his IPL stint, and the Australian team management has made the tough decision to leave him out of the 15-player squad for the WTC final. The right-arm pacer’s absence from the playing XI has left a void in the Australian bowling attack, as Hazlewood’s consistent performances and ability to trouble batsmen make him a vital asset for the team.
Boland replaces Hazlewood
In his place, the in-form all-rounder Michael Neser had earned a call-up to Australia’s squad for the one-off Test in south London. Neser’s recent performances have caught the attention of the selectors, but he was not included in the final playing XI for the WTC final. Instead, the Australian team opted to go with pacer Scott Boland.
Boland, a 34-year-old fast bowler, has limited Test experience, having played only seven matches for his country. However, his impressive record speaks for itself, with 28 wickets to his name at an outstanding average of 13.42. The Australian team management has shown confidence in Boland’s abilities and believes he can make a significant impact against the formidable Indian batting lineup.
The decision to rest Hazlewood and give Boland an opportunity in the crucial WTC final demonstrates Australia’s commitment to player welfare and strategic planning. With a busy schedule ahead, including the highly anticipated Ashes series, the team aims to ensure Hazlewood’s full recovery and availability for the first Ashes Test in Birmingham, starting from June 16.
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