(Cricket news) India have been hampered by injuries to key players Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. Up until 2 days ago Australia were set to have a fully fit squad available but things have changed. Josh Hazelwood who has been struggling with injuries has been ruled out of the World Test Championship final. In-form seamer Michael Neser has been added to the squad as a cover. Josh Hazelwood’s absence is a big blow to Australia and it is a big advantage for India.  JoshHazelwood has troubled India a lot in the past so India’s batters will breathe a sigh of relief.

Josh Hazelwood would’ve been a key part of the Aussie attack. His consistency in terms of hitting the right line and length is something that no one else in world cricket can do. Scott Bolland is likely to be his replacement and in this scenario, he is a pretty good player to call up. Bolland has the ability to move the ball both ways which is advantageous in English conditions. The only reason to choose Neser over Bolland is if Australia want to strengthen their batting because the former has the ability to score crucial runs towards the back end of the innings.

Josh Hazelwood’s absence puts a little more pressure on Mitchell Starc and captain Pat Cummins. They will have to take more responsibility as Cameron Green, Michael Neser and Scott Bolland have never played in England before. The good news is that Cummins’ headache of who to give the new ball has gone. Now both he and Starc will definitely open the bowling while the others will come into the mix later. Nathan Lyon still remains the key because of his experience and excellent record in England.

Also read: India’s wicket-keeper dilema for the World Test Championship final