Australia quick Josh Hazlewood to miss World Test Championship, still OK for Ashes
LONDON (AP) — Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will miss the World Test Championship cricket final against India starting Wednesday in a precautionary move ahead of the Ashes series with England.
Michael Neser replaced Hazlewood in the squad for the match at The Oval, Australia said Sunday.
Hazlewood has been managing a left Achilles injury as well as a problem with his side sustained during the Indian Premier League.
“Josh was very, very close to being given the green light but we are cognisant that our upcoming schedule means this is not a one-off test match for us,” said George Bailey, Australia’s chair of selectors.
“This will give Josh an ideal preparation leading into (the first Ashes test at) Edgbaston. With six test matches in a little over seven weeks, we will need all of our fast bowling assets.”
Neser, who has played in two tests, has been training with Australia in recent days, though wasn’t selected in Australia’s extended 17-man squad for the India test and the opening two Ashes tests.
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