MELBOURNE: Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the second Test against India in Adelaide due to a low-grade side injury.

This adds to Australia’s mounting challenges after their heavy 295-run loss in the first Test in Perth, which gave India a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Hazlewood, who claimed five wickets in Perth, will likely be replaced by Scott Boland for the day-night Test at Adelaide Oval, starting December 6. Cricket Australia has also brought in Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett as additional options.

Adding to the team’s worries, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is under observation after pulling up sore following his 17-over spell in the first Test. Uncapped all-rounder Beau Webster, already called up as cover, could play if Marsh is deemed unfit.

Australia’s injury troubles don’t stop there. Regular all-rounder Cameron Green is unavailable for the entire series after undergoing surgery for a stress fracture in his lumbar spine.

With a depleted squad and key players sidelined Australia faces a tough challenge to level the series against a strong Indian side in the upcoming Test.

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