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Sunil Gavaskar has raised eyebrows over the sudden omission of Josh Hazlewood from Australia's squad for the second Test against India, suggesting there may be more behind the decision than just a reported side strain injury. Hazlewood’s comments during a press conference on Day 3 of the first Test in Perth have led to speculation about possible tensions within the Australian team, further fueling concerns about team unity.

HAZLEWOOD'S CONTROVERSIAL COMMENTS SPARK SPECULATION

In the aftermath of Australia’s crushing 295-run defeat to India, Hazlewood’s response to a question about the team's approach for the fourth day seemed to be a veiled criticism of the batting unit. Hazlewood bluntly said, “You probably have to ask one of the batters that question,” a remark that quickly caught the attention of fans and commentators. This statement, coupled with the heavy defeat, has prompted discussions about the state of the Australian dressing room, with many questioning the cohesion of the squad.

GAVASKAR SUGGESTS PANIC AND FRACTURES WITHIN THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM

Writing in his column for Sportstar, Gavaskar noted that Hazlewood’s exclusion from the second Test against India has fueled a sense of panic within the Australian ranks. He observed that the situation has sparked debates among former players, some of whom have called for changes in the team, while others have hinted at possible fractures in the dressing room following Hazlewood’s blunt comments.

“The panic in the Australian ranks is palpable, with former players calling for heads to roll and even hinting at cracks in the team after Hazlewood’s media comments at the end of Day 3,” Gavaskar wrote. The veteran Indian cricketer suggested that the sudden injury to Hazlewood, coming right after his press conference remarks, seemed suspicious.

UNEXPLAINED INJURY RAISES QUESTIONS

Hazlewood, known for his strong performances in Pink Ball Tests, had an exceptional record in the 2020-21 series against India, taking 5 wickets for just 8 runs in five overs during the day-night Test at Adelaide when India was bundled out for 36. Given his solid reputation in such conditions, his exclusion from the second Test has raised further questions. Cricket Australia has officially stated that Hazlewood has sustained a side strain, which has ruled him out of the Adelaide Test and possibly the entire series. However, Gavaskar pointed out that there were no visible signs of any injury when Hazlewood appeared at the press conference, which makes the timing of his injury even more suspicious.

“Strange, that, since nobody had noticed anything wrong with Hazlewood at that media conference. Mystery, mystery—just like the kinds of issues Indian cricket used to face. Now, it's the Aussies, and like old McDonald, I’m simply loving it,” Gavaskar remarked humorously in his column, hinting at a possible behind-the-scenes issue that led to Hazlewood's sudden withdrawal.

SCOTT BOLAND LIKELY TO REPLACE HAZLEWOOD IN PINK-BALL TEST

Following Hazlewood’s injury, Cricket Australia has called up uncapped seamers Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett as cover for the second Test. Despite this, it is widely expected that Scott Boland, who represented the Prime Minister’s XI in the warm-up match, will be the one to replace Hazlewood in the playing XI for the Adelaide pink-ball Test. Boland’s inclusion could bolster Australia’s bowling attack as they look to bounce back after the heavy defeat in Perth. 

Gavaskar's comments highlight not only the uncertainty surrounding Hazlewood’s injury but also the tension within the Australian squad, which could have significant implications for the remainder of the series against India.