AUS vs IND: Here’s why Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the remaining T20I series against India

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Australia’s ace fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will miss the remainder of the T20I series against India to prioritize preparations for the upcoming Ashes 2025 campaign, which kicks off on November 21 in Perth. The decision comes after Hazlewood’s match-winning performance in the second T20I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where he was named Player of the Match for his brilliant spell of 3 wickets for 13 runs.

Hazlewood has opted to step away from the T20I format temporarily to fine-tune his bowling for Test cricket. The seasoned pacer emphasized the importance of adjusting to the red-ball rhythm ahead of the Ashes series against England.

The Aussie seamer is expected to feature in a Sheffield Shield fixture for New South Wales against Victoria before linking up with the national Test squad in Perth.

Hazlewood’s absence is a big blow for Australia, especially after his impactful display in the second T20I. The right-arm pacer spearheaded Australia’s attack by dismissing key Indian batters Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma, triggering a top-order collapse. His precise line and length restricted India’s scoring opportunities and paved the way for Australia’s four-wicket win, giving them a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

His ability to strike early and maintain pressure in the powerplay overs has been a hallmark of Australia’s recent T20 success. With Hazlewood unavailable, the team will rely on its depth in pace options to fill the void.

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Following Hazlewood’s withdrawal, Cricket Australia (CA) has named a rotational squad for the remaining three T20Is. Skipper Mitchell Marsh will continue to lead the side, with a mix of experience and youth set to feature in the lineup.

Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott (3rd game), Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis (4th and 5th game), Nathan Ellis, Mahli Beardman (games 3-5), Travis Head, Josh Philippe, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Owen, Matt Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

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