Josh Hazelwood might miss the Tests against the Proteas

Josh Hazlewood is questionable for the start of the South Africa series after being ruled out of the second Test against the West Indies in Adelaide due to a side strain. His withdrawal from the game was first ascribed to “general pain,” but additional inspection revealed a side strain. He will return to Sydney on Friday for rehabilitation before being evaluated again following the West Indies series. Michael Neser has been recalled for his second Test at the same venue where he made his debut last year, resulting in two changes to Australia’s attack, with Scott Boland replacing the injured Pat Cummins for the day-night Test against the West Indies.

The first Test against South Africa begins on December 17 in Brisbane. The situation is similar to how Hazlewood’s summer went when he suffered a side strain against England at the Gabba and missed the rest of the Ashes. Last week’s Perth Test was only Hazlewood’s second since the Brisbane Test against England, having featured only once on trips to Pakistan and Sri Lanka – in Rawalpindi – with Australia choosing two frontline spinners at the time. The fact that Australia has already lost two of their top fast bowlers this season underscores the difficulties in managing them throughout a frenetic schedule that includes five Tests in less than five weeks.

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Starc is the only bowler to have played all games

Mitchell Starc, as was the case last season in Adelaide, was the first-choice quick who was retained in the XI against the West Indies. Over the last several years, he has demonstrated exceptional tenacity, appearing in all ten matches against England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Lance Morris, the uncapped Western Australian quick who is often considered the country’s fastest bowler, was also named to the squad ahead of the Adelaide Test. He might retain his place for the South Africa series as well.