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Australia‘s experienced fast bowler, Josh Hazlewood, has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20I series against Scotland due to a calf strain sustained while bowling in the nets on August 20. The decision to rest Hazlewood is a precautionary measure, with the Australian team management keen to ensure his availability for the long and demanding summer ahead. Although he will miss the series against Scotland, Hazlewood is expected to be fit for the T20I and ODI series against England, which begins on September 11.
A return to the national side
In Hazlewood’s absence, 27-year-old Riley Meredith has been named as his replacement for the T20I series. Meredith, who last played a T20I for Australia in 2021, is making a comeback after a three-year gap. During his last appearance against the West Indies, he conceded 57 runs in his four overs, taking one wicket. Despite this, Meredith’s recent performances in the English domestic circuit have earned him a recall to the national side. He has been in fine form, particularly with Somerset in the T20 Blast, where he took 14 wickets at an average of 22.78, playing a key role in Somerset’s run to the final. Additionally, he claimed six wickets in three One-Day Cup matches, including a standout 4 for 27 against Middlesex at Lord’s.
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The impact of Josh Hazlewood’s injury on Australia’s pace attack
Hazlewood’s injury comes as a setback to Australia’s pace attack, especially following the earlier injury to left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson, who picked up a side strain while playing for Oval Invincibles in The Hundred 2024. Johnson’s injury had already depleted Australia’s fast-bowling options, making Hazlewood’s absence even more significant. However, the inclusion of Meredith, alongside other pacers like Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis, provides Australia with a diverse and capable pace attack for the series against Scotland.
Opportunity to shine against Scotland
With Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins rested, and Hazlewood sidelined, Meredith has a prime opportunity to establish himself in the national team. Meredith’s recent performances on English pitches have shown promise, and he will look to carry that form into the T20I series against Scotland. His ability to generate pace and take wickets at crucial moments could be pivotal for Australia as they aim to maintain their dominance in the T20 format. The series against Scotland, starting on September 4 in Edinburgh, will be a crucial platform for Meredith to prove his mettle and potentially secure a more permanent spot in Australia’s fast-bowling lineup.
