Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have received a boost ahead of the second phase of Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) in UAE, with Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood confirming his availability to the franchise.

Hazlewood had opted out of the 14th edition of the cash-rich T20 league when the first half of the tournament was played in India citing personal reasons. In his absence, another Australian, Jason Behrendorff was signed up by the franchise as replacement but eventually did not play any games before the league was suspended due to COVID-19 bubble breach.

READ ALSO: MS Dhoni and other CSK players start their practice session with a fun football game

“Hazlewood has confirmed his availability for the second phase of IPL starting from September 19. The BCCI has confirmed that players who were not available in the first phase can join the respective teams in the second phase if they are fit and available. Considering Hazlewood’s form, he will be a great addition to our team,” said CSK CEO KS Viswanathan in a release.

Hazlewood, who has also been named in the Australia's squad for the T20 World Cup 2021, has been in excellent form with the ball. The 30-year-old pacer bagged eight wickets in four matches in the recently concluded T20I series against Bangladesh. The pacer has picked 21 wickets in 17 matches so far in his T20I career.

He played three games for the Chennai franchise in the 2020 season, which was hosted completely in the UAE. Part of the contingent is already in Dubai, and has begun to train and practice after their mandatory quarantine.