Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood ruled out of Test tour
AUSTRALIA will likely debut a new fast bowler as well as fill the boots of their banned batting stars after two pace weapons were ruled out of October’s Test tour against Pakistan.
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AUSTRALIA will likely debut a new fast bowler as well as fill the boots of their two biggest batting stars after Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins were ruled out of October’s Test tour against Pakistan.
Selectors and medical staff have decided to prioritise the huge home summer ahead by taking a cautious approach to returning Cummins and Hazlewood from their respective back issues.
Neither quick appears in any long-term doubt, but they haven’t got any bowling loads under their belt just two months out from facing Pakistan in two Tests in the UAE.
There is push for Cummins and Hazlewood to return for NSW through the JLT one-day Cup which kicks-off in late September, in anticipation they’ll be back on deck for the all-important four Test series against India.
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However, in the short-term their absence makes the task all the more difficult for new coach Justin Langer trying to make an immediate impression with the Test team in the wake of the ball-tampering disaster.
Losing two more of his biggest stars on top of Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft’s suspension shapes as an imposing challenge.
Mitchell Starc is set to lead the Australian bowling attack against Pakistan, and it’s likely a couple of uncapped quicks may partner him in the cartel.
Queenslander Michael Neser and Victorian Chris Tremain will tour India later this month for Australia A and will have a golden chance to push their case.
West Australian Jhye Richardson and experienced Tasmanian Jackson Bird could be the other candidates.
Australian physiotherapist David Beakley said Cummins and Hazlewood were showing good signs in their recovery from lumbar bone stress injuries, but haven’t got back into the nets quickly enough.
“Pat and Josh are progressing well from their lumbar bone stress injuries but are not bowling, so unfortunately they will not be at the level required for Test match intensity come October,” said Beakley.
“Barring any setbacks, we are hopeful that Pat and Josh will return via the back-end of the JLT One-Day Cup, with the aim of them being available for the ODI Series against South Africa in November as they build towards the Indian Test Series.
“On a positive note Mitchell Starc is back to unrestricted training and remains on track for the Test Series against Pakistan.”
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