Josh Hazlewood ruled out of WTC Final, Neser replaces injured pacer

LONDON: Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of ICC World Test Championship final against India due to his ongoing Achilles and side issue. 

Michael Neser will replace Josh Hazlewood in the Australian squad for the mega clash at the Oval’s London from June 7 to 11.

Josh Hazlewood has been fighting injury since leaving the Royal Challengers Bangalore early during the Indian Premier League, and Australia has decided not to take any chances with the right-armer ahead of a busy away schedule.

World Test Championship Final’s Event Technical Committee also approved the late change made by the Australian team.

The inclusion of all-rounder Neser to Australia’s 15-member squad for the one-off Test makes him a contender for the final XI along with Scott Boland.

Neser has been in excellent form recently for Glamorgan in England’s Country Championship as he claimed 19 wickets from five matches and even managed to score a hundred against Sussex.

The right-arm has played only two Tests during his career but could find a place in the final XI and partner skipper Pat Cummins and fellow pacer Mitchell Starc for the World Test Championship Final.

34-year-old Boland, on the other hand, has played seven Tests for his country – the most recent being the series opener against India at Nagpur in February – but has claimed 28 wickets at an imposing average of 13.42, making him a better choice than Neser.

It is hoped Hazlewood will be available for selection for the first Ashes Test in Birmingham from June 16.

Updated Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, David Warner

Standby players: Mitch Marsh, Matthew Renshaw