MELBOURNE, Jan 19, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Australia suffered a big blow Saturday
with star fast bowler Josh Hazlewood ruled out of their two upcoming Tests
against Sri Lanka with a back injury, and Jhye Richardson replacing him.
The vice-captain has hurt the same part of his back that sidelined him
last year.
But Cricket Australia physiotherapist David Beakley said he was confident
Hazlewood would recover in time for the World Cup in England and Wales.
“Josh has reported some back soreness over the last few days and scans
have revealed a very early stage stress fracture in the same lower back area
as his previous injury from last summer,” he said on the Cricket Australia
website.
“He will now begin a rehabilitation program and we are confident he will
be available for selection ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup in the UK later
this year.”
Richardson, who has impressed in the one-day series against India, joins
Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Peter Siddle as the pace attack in the squad
to face Sri Lanka.
The first Test — a day-nighter — starts next Thursday in Brisbane, with
the second in Canberra.
“Jhye has had an impressive first half in his Sheffield Shield season and
no-one could deny he has now continued that form in ODI matches for
Australia,” said national selector Trevor Hohns.
“We consider Jhye to be an ideal replacement in the squad for Josh.”
Revised Australia squad: Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, Marcus Harris, Travis
Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Tim Paine (capt), Will
Pucovski, Matt Renshaw, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle.