AUS vs NZ | Peter Siddle obvious replacement for Josh Hazlewood in Boxing Day Test, reveals Justin Langer
Australia head coach Justin Langer has named the most obvious choice for Josh Hazlewood’s replacement for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. While some other options are in the fray, Langer is inclined towards a like-to-like replacement for the injured fast bowler.
Paceman Hazlewood was only two balls into his second over in the first Test vs New Zealand, in Perth, when a hamstring pull hindered his runup and made him limp walk with an excruciatingly disappointed face. As help came, the bowler toiled his way back and it was evident he couldn’t bowl again in the game, which was confirmed later on.
The latest update to his injury, a "low-grade hamstring tear", revealed that Hazlewood was also ruled out of the upcoming Boxing Day Test. The 28-year-old would be eyeing to return before the third and final Test match at the SCG, starting January 3.
Speaking of options, Langer has kept James Pattinson and Michael Neser into consideration but Peter Siddle will trump the latter as a like-to-like replacement for Hazlewood would be ideal. Siddle, who impressed in the Ashes, is also having a good domestic season with Victoria.
"Without a doubt, 'Patto' (Pattinson) and Michael Neser, they'll be in the squad 100 per cent and we'll look whether we replace Josh with another fast bowler," Langer said on Sunday (December 15).
"The obvious one would be Peter Siddle actually. He did a really good job in the Ashes, he's bowling very well for Victoria and it's at the MCG where he's played a lot of cricket. We'll see what happens the rest of this game and then make a decision."