In a notable development for Australian cricket, pace bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the highly-anticipated T20I series against Scotland, scheduled to commence on September 4. The seasoned fast bowler sustained a calf strain during a training session last week. Consequently, Cricket Australia has announced Riley Meredith as Hazlewood’s replacement.
Despite the setback, it appears Hazlewood’s injury is not a severe one. Initial medical assessments suggest that he should soon regain full bowling fitness, thereby keeping him in contention for the upcoming white-ball series against England. This series is critical as it comprises three T20Is and five One Day Internationals (ODIs), setting the stage for subsequent matches in Australia’s rigorous cricket calendar.
However, Cricket Australia and the team selectors are likely to be cautious with Hazlewood’s workload management. This precaution comes in the light of a jam-packed home season, particularly the prestigious five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, which kicks off on November 22. The series against India is viewed as a marquee event and entails significant preparation and physical strain, necessitating the availability of top-performing players like Hazlewood.
In Hazlewood’s stead steps Riley Meredith, a dynamic bowler in excellent form. Meredith has been actively participating in recent competitive fixtures, demonstrating his prowess both in the T20 Blast and the One Day Cup for Somerset. His recent performances have been nothing short of impressive, making him a suitable candidate for the international stage.
During the T20 Blast, Meredith claimed 14 wickets in 12 matches, achieving an average of 22.78 and an economy rate of 7.59. His One Day Cup statistics are also commendable, with six wickets in just three games, including a four-wicket haul against Middlesex at the renowned Lord’s Cricket Ground. His averages in the One Day Cup stand at 21.
.33 with an economy rate of 5.12. These figures underscore his effectiveness and reliability as a bowler, bolstering Australia’s bowling lineup in Hazlewood’s absence.
Somerset, buoyed by Meredith’s performance, have advanced to the final of the One Day Cup. They will be contesting against Glamorgan in the final showdown at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on September 22. Meredith’s exploits have been a pivotal factor in Somerset’s journey to the final, and they will be heavily reliant on his form as they seek to clinch the title.
As for the Australian T20I squad gearing up for the series against Scotland and subsequently England, it reflects a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent. The squad is captained by Mitchell Marsh and includes versatile all-rounders like Sean Abbott and Marcus Stoinis, promising young talents such as Xavier Bartlett and Cooper Connolly, and seasoned spin wizard Adam Zampa.
The full squad list is as follows: Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Riley Meredith, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wicket-keeper), Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa. This squad is anticipated to deliver robust performances against both Scotland and England, leveraging the blend of experience and youth to their advantage.
While Hazlewood’s absence is a setback, the injection of Riley Meredith into the squad provides an exciting dynamism. With his recent performances promising much, Australian supporters will hope Meredith rises to the occasion on the international stage. As the T20I series against Scotland looms near, all eyes will be on how this reconstituted Australian squad performs and adapts to the challenges ahead.
In conclusion, Josh Hazlewood’s untimely injury has introduced a fresh face into the national team lineup. Riley Meredith will not just fill the void but also bring his recent form and dynamism to Australia’s bowling attack. The Australian cricket fraternity will remain hopeful for Hazlewood’s swift recovery and look forward to his potential participation in the subsequent crucial series against England and India. Meanwhile, the immediate focus will be on how Meredith, along with the rest of the squad, handles the immediate challenge posed by Scotland, commencing in a few days.
