Jennifer
Australia are gearing up for the World Test Championship (WTC) final as they will take on Team India at the Oval, London starting from 7-11 June 2023. But, ahead of this mega clash, they dealt with a major blow as Josh Hazlewood got ruled out of the final due to his ongoing Achilles and side issues.
Now, Australia have included Michael Neser as his replacement in the squad and the World Test Championship Final’s Event Technical Committee has approved that also. However, now the Aussies might look to include Scott Boland as the third pacer in the playing XI along with Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. Seeing that news, fans shared their views on social media.
“Josh was very, very close to being given the green light” – George Bailey
Regarding this injury, Chair of Selectors George Bailey said: “Josh was very, very close to being given the green light but we are cognisant that our upcoming schedule means this is not a one-off Test match of us. Michael’s County form has been strong and knowing that he was going to be close by allowed for him to keep playing and for us to be able to call on him. He is a great strength to have as part of the fast bowling group. This will give Josh an ideal preparation leading into Edgbaston. With six Test matches in a little over seven weeks we will need all of our fast bowling assets.”
However, Australia are hoping that Hazlewood might get fit for the first Ashes Test, starting on 16 June. Meanwhile, Michael Neser has enjoyed a great time with Glamorgan in England’s Country Championship. He claimed 19 wickets from five matches and even scored a century against Sussex. Till now, he has played two Tests only.
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, and David Warner.
Standby players: Mitch Marsh, and Matthew Renshaw.
Here are some shared tweets:
Thank you #RCB
— King VK¹⁸🇮🇳 (@vk18__king) June 4, 2023
Bahut dukh hua bro pic.twitter.com/CMXbEkaSya
— Amit. (@iOnlyAJ) June 4, 2023
Chalo India ke 30 runs extra banege ab
— CHARLIE (@CharlieGulshan) June 4, 2023
Good News for Vadapav pans
— 'Ben Stokes' (@18kingofcricket) June 4, 2023
Good news for us 😃😜
— Girlsiyapa🌸 (@girlsiyapa69) June 4, 2023
@Expelliarmus98 @KohlifiedGal Boland will play now 😂
— Ritvik (@Ritvik_Cricket) June 4, 2023
Advantage india
— Sai tarakian🥀 (@Chinthimisaina1) June 4, 2023
Deliberate plan to play Boland
— Mrinango C.Borty (VK fan) (@ViratKo66279185) June 4, 2023
Scott Boland to do the damage then. The role which Jamieson played in the last WTC final.
— Rahul Sharma (@CricFnatic) June 4, 2023
