Shastri says Hazlewood loss a ‘massive’ blow for Australia
The absence of a key fast bowler could be pivotal during the second Test in Adelaide, according to the former India coach.
India legend Ravi Shastri believes the absence of key pacer Josh Hazlewood during the day-night Test in Adelaide will prove a massive blow for Australia as the two sides get ready to re-ignite their battle for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Australia will look to rebound from a disappointing 295-run loss to India in the series opener in Perth, but will have to do so without the injured Hazlewood who is nursing a side strain he picked up when collecting five wickets for the match in the first ICC World Test Championship contest.
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Scott Boland won the race to replace Hazlewood in Australia's playing XI in Adelaide, but Shastri thinks the absence of the consistent right-armer will be felt by the Aussies during the pink-ball clash.
"(Hazlewood's absence) is massive," Shastri exclaimed when speaking with host Sanjana Ganesan on the most recent episode of The ICC Review.
"Massive because he gives them (Australia) great control.
"I mean he was so frugal even in that Test match in Perth. He had bowled at one stage, I think 18 overs for 25 (runs) or something of that sort. You know that's the kind of control that is needed in Adelaide, especially with a pink ball."
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Shastri's thoughts on Hazlewood are supported by his recent efforts in day-night Tests, with the 33-year-old collecting five wickets when India was humbled for just 36 against the pink-ball during the second innings of their most recent tour Down Under back in 2020.
Hazlewood also picked up five wickets for the match during Australia most recent home Test under the lights against the West Indies at the Gabba at the start of this year and Shastri thinks the right-armer could have been a major factor with similar conditions in Adelaide.
"If it's seaming around, under lights, tactics change, teams bat first, sometimes declare with one hour to go to make the most of the pink ball," Shastri noted.
"That's when he (Hazlewood) becomes most dangerous because he's there, thereabouts all the time and he will test you.
"No matter how good a player you are, you got to know where your off-stump is when you're playing Hazlewood."