Josh Hazlewood unlikely to play in Nagpur Test due to injury

Australia have some serious decisions to make in the lead up to the first Test in India, and none are bigger than which spinner will be picked to support Nathan Lyon.

Scott Boland is on the verge of a shock appearance in the first Test against India as Josh Hazlewood battles injury.

Boland could play his first overseas Test in Nagpur this Thursday as part of a two-man pace attack with Pat Cummins.

Hazlewood has taken no part in early tour training due to an Achilles injury in his left leg sustained in the final Test of the home summer against South Africa.

Australia’s only other spare fast bowler is Lance “Wild Thing’’ Morris and the tourists must surely be lamenting not taking the in-form Michael Neser who could have given them extra options and batted as high as No 7.

“Not sure about the first Test,’ Hazlewood told Cricbuzz who first reported the news.

“It is still a few days away but it is sneaking up pretty quickly. Second one is obviously straight after as well. So we will play it by ear over the next week and hopefully Tuesday goes well.’’

Hazlewood has not been able to train after his injury against South Africa. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

Hazlewood, who said he would attempt to bowl in the nets in Nagpur on Tuesday, admitted to Cricbuzz the injury was challenging to manage.

Hazlewood has played just one Test in five of his last six Test series due to a run of misfortune with injury.

He is also in doubt for the second Test and his likely absence in Nagpur will cut deeply as his long time partner Mitchell Starc likely to miss at least the first Test with a finger injury.

Boland has reportedly been bowling well in the nets in India, drilling in on the spotless lines and lengths that have netted him an astonishing 28 wickets at 12 from six Tests.

There is a feeling his tireless nature and ability to bowl well on traditionally flat MCG wickets will stand him in good stead for a heavy duty tour.

With Cameron Green battling a finger injury and not certain to play Australia will have trouble playing a balanced attack.

Mitch Starc is still recovering from a finger injury. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Matt Renshaw is believed to be slightly ahead of the more experienced Peter Handscomb in the battle to replace Green if he is ruled out but his presence would mean Australia could play only four frontline bowlers.

Cummins, Boland, Nathan Lyon and probably Ashton Agar would make up an attack supported by the supplementary spin of Travis Head.

Agar is yet to prove himself at Test level so his selection in a four man attack would be something of a gamble.

India are reportedly in two minds over what types of decks to prepare for the Test series with the feeling that if they make them too spin-friendly it may make the matches a lottery and increase Australia’s chances of victory.

Originally published as Josh Hazlewood unlikely to play in Nagpur Test due to injury