Australia’s Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against India, with Scott Boland set to replace him in the playing XI for the match at The Oval on Wednesday. Hazlewood had suffered a side injury and a left Achilles issue during the Indian Premier League, limiting his recent appearances. While he was hopeful of participating in the WTC final, Michael Neser has been added to the 15-man squad as a replacement, with Boland likely to join captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc as Australia’s third fast bowler.

The decision was made considering Australia’s upcoming schedule, which includes the Ashes series starting on June 16. Neser and Sean Abbott have been training with the Australian squad, having abandoned their county duties. The team management aims to effectively manage their fast-bowling resources given the short turnaround between the WTC final and the Ashes series. Coach Andrew McDonald emphasized the need for careful consideration and potential changes in the pace bowling lineup.