NEW DELHI: Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has backed Josh Hazlewood‘s return for the Brisbane Test in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, highlighting his experience and effectiveness.
Following Hazlewood’s side strain, Scott Boland stepped in for the Adelaide Test and delivered a remarkable performance, securing five wickets and disrupting India’s batting lineup. However, with Hazlewood regaining fitness, his inclusion in the third Test seems probable.
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Lee advocates for Hazlewood’s immediate reinstatement to the starting XI at Brisbane, contingent on his complete recovery. While acknowledging Boland’s excellent showing, Lee prioritises Hazlewood’s proven track record.
“Look, it’s a tough one but you’d have to go back on form and what Josh Hazlewood has done. For me personally, Josh Hazlewood slips straight back in. If he’s fully fit he gets the new ball, or at least is definitely back in the team,” Lee told Fox Sports.
The Adelaide Test marked Boland’s return to Test cricket after an 18-month absence, his previous appearance being the third Ashes Test in 2022. He demonstrated his prowess by claiming vital wickets, including Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma in the first innings, followed by Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, and Mohammad Siraj in the second.
Boland’s five-wicket contribution proved instrumental in Australia levelling the series 1-1. Prior to his injury, Hazlewood had commenced the series strongly, claiming five wickets in Perth’s opening Test, including four in India’s first innings.
“It’s unfortunate for Scott Boland because when he’s had his opportunity, he’s nailed it. I look at Scott Boland and I probably think he’s a bit like MacGill playing in the Warne era. MacGill took 200 Test wickets bowling when Shane Warne was either injured or out for other reasons. So he was a quality, quality bowler,” Lee said.
Lee emphasised Boland’s exceptional abilities, stating he could feature in any international Test team. “Boland could be in any team around the world. Any playing nation. But unfortunately, when you’ve got Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood, they’re still doing the business, and they’re in his way at the moment. It’s nothing against Boland because he’s bowled the house down.”
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The series stands balanced at 1-1, with Australia aiming to take the lead in the five-match contest during the third Test from December 14-18 in Brisbane.