Josh Hazlewood Withdraws from Scotland T20I Series

Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against Scotland due to a low-grade right calf strain. The 33-year-old pacer sustained the injury during a training session in Sydney and has been replaced in the squad by Riley Meredith.

Cricket Australia has confirmed that Hazlewood will undergo rehabilitation to recover from the injury. He is expected to return to action during the T20I and ODI series against England, which is scheduled to begin on September 11.

Riley Meredith, a 28-year-old fast bowler, steps in as Hazlewood’s replacement. Meredith last represented Australia in 2021 but now has the chance to add to his five T20I caps on this tour. His recent form in the T20 Blast for Somerset has been impressive, taking 14 wickets in 12 matches, making him a strong addition to the Australian squad.

Hazlewood’s injury adds to Australia’s pace bowling concerns for the Scotland tour. Mitchell Starc has already been ruled out, and Pat Cummins has been rested to focus on preparations for the upcoming Test series against India.

The Australia T20I squad for the Scotland series will be led by Mitchell Marsh as captain and includes players like Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Riley Meredith, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa.

The three-match T20I series between Australia and Scotland will commence on September 4 in Edinburgh.