Josh Hazlewood for Australia (Source: AFP Photos)
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is not taking field for his side on Day 2 of their second Test against South Africa. Play itself resumed late in the day owing to ceaseless rains at the St George's Park in Gqeberha.
It is worth noting that Hazlewood recently delivered his career-best performance in the opening match of the series with sensational figures of 6-49 to douse South Africa in Durban.
‘Unwell’ Josh Hazlewood skips Day 2 of AUS vs SA 2nd Test
As per the latest update, Josh Hazlewood did not take field for his side when both Australia and South Africa cricket teams resumed play on Day 2 of their all-important second Test match in Gqeberha on Monday, October 19.
The report indicates that the legendary fast bowler is “unwell” at the moment, and is not in good shape to turn up for play. Hazlewood, however, will be expected to return to the field and bowl on Day 3 of the match on Tuesday, October 20.
Notably, the senior paceman bowled just five overs out of the 12.2 overs bowled on the rain-curtailed opening day. The 35-year-old conceded just three runs in his opening burst, while his pace mate Scott Boland wrecked South Africa’s top-order with two huge wickets of Aiden Markram and David Bedingham before rains enforced an early stumps.
Scott Boland leads the Australian attack in Hazlewood’s absence
Apart from his wicket-taking opening burst on Day 1, Scott Boland also led the Australian pace attack the following day in the absence of senior pro Josh Hazlewood. Boland started off the day with the wicket of South African opener and overnight batter Marques Ackerman within the first 10 minutes of play.
His spell devastated South Africa’s top-order at 25-3 inside the first 15 overs of the match, with each of Proteas’ top three finding themselves back in the dressing room.
With Scott Boland firing on all cylinders, Josh Hazlewood will only have to miss one session during his Day 2 absence owing to the rainy weather in Gqeberha.
Since Hazlewood is expected to return on Day 3, his presence will further bolster the Australian pace attack, already comprising of Mitchell Starc, captain Pat Cummins and Boland.
Moreover, the senior paceman blew away the Proteas in Durban just last week, as his six-wicket haul on the final day set up a huge 214-run win for Australia.
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