The Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia is currently poised on a knife's edge. The five-match Test series is currently level 1-1, with the bandwagon heading to Brisbane for the third Test which begins on Saturday.
After India surprisingly won the opener at Perth, Australia bounced back in splendid fashion, handing the tourists a 10-wicket hammering at Adelaide in the pink ball Test. And they did it without the services of star pacer Josh Hazlewood who was injured after the first Test.
Though Scott Boland did a fine job in his stead, the Aussies would be looking forward to having Hazlewood back, given how the Indians struggle against him in general.
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However, there are question marks over his fitness and they are yet to be assuaged, with just two days left for the third Test. And there were interesting scenes on Thursday at the Gabba during Australia's practice session.
What happened during Australia's practice session at the Gabba? Did Josh Hazlewood bowl?
While all eyes trained on the Australian camp were eager to see if Hazlewood would bowl or not, they were left disappointed as the 33-year-old did not bowl in public view.
And there was plenty of drama around the Aussie camp as Hazlewood was whisked off Gabba quickly along with Mitchell Starc and bowling coach Daniel Vettori.
Drama at the Gabba.
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) December 12, 2024
Josh Hazlewood has just been whisked off in a van with Mitchell Starc and bowling coach Daniel Vettori.
Hazlewood hasn’t bowled in public today.https://t.co/O6wIMXetDN
This secretive move has raised suspicions on whether Hazlewood is fit enough to play at Gabba, with Boland on standby to play in case the 6'5" pacer fails to make the cut.
READ: Jaiswal misses India team bus! Leaves Rohit Sharma frustrated
However, there were other sources who have stated that Hazlewood did bowl during the practice session and did so without any apparent discomfort.
Josh Hazlewood appearing to have no issue bowling off a full run up in Brisbane, as he fights to return from a side strain.
— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) December 12, 2024
He and Mitchell Starc have gone off site from the Gabba.
Footage captured by @JoelGould6 for AAP. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/Drv4b5Fi8V
That should come as a relief for Aussie fans, amid the uncertainty surrounding Hazlewood's fitness.
It must be noted that ahead of the second Test, former Indian player Sunil Gavaskar had raised concerns over Hazlewood's absence, even terming it a political move and mystery.
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Will the pitch at Gabba suit pacers?
The first look of the pitch at Gabba for the third Test was positive for fast bowlers, with a green top that promises plenty of bounce and movement.
Traditionally, Brisbane is an ally for fast bowlers and Australia will be keen to have Hazlewood in their ranks.
