AUSTRALIA'S HAZLEWOOD RULED OUT OF SECOND TEST AGAINST INDIA DUE TO SIDE STRAIN

Perth, Australia - Australian cricketer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the second Test against India due to a side strain, a major setback for the hosts who trail the five-match series 0-1 after a crushing 295-run defeat in the first Test at Perth.

Cricket Australia have added two uncapped bowlers, Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett, to the squad for the day-night pink-ball Test at the Adelaide Oval, beginning December 6. Hazlewood's unavailability was confirmed by Cricket Australia on Tuesday, citing a side strain which will keep him out of the team.

The news is a significant blow to Australian captain Pat Cummins' team, who had relied heavily on Hazlewood's consistent bowling performance in the series so far. While Hazlewood took an impressive 4 for 29 in the first innings at Perth to lead the Australian attack that bowled India out for 150.

In the second innings, Hazlewood returned 1 for 28 but his absence will put more pressure on Scott Boland to perform well for Australia. Boland is also part of the Prime Minister's XI that will take on India in a two-day pink-ball practice game beginning today at the Manuka Oval in Canberra.

India had lost both their tour matches against Australian cricket teams since Hazlewood's stint as captain in 2020-21, and their performance is closely linked to his bowling. This setback presents an opportunity for young and talented bowlers like Abbott and Doggett to prove themselves in international Test cricket.

However, with the series hanging precariously in the balance, Australian coaches will be breathing a sigh of relief that Hazlewood's injury is not a serious one - allowing him to make a swift return to action.