Australia was dealt a huge blow to their chances in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC 2023) against India as fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the match due to his ongoing Achilles and side issues.
Since leaving the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) early in the IPL 2023 due to injury, Hazelwood has been dealing with the issue, and Australia chose not to take any chances with the right-armer before a hectic upcoming schedule.
It is hoped Hazlewood will be available for selection for the first Ashes Test in Birmingham from June 16.
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Michael Neser has been named the replacement for Hazlewood and was called up to Australia's 15-player squad for the one-off Test in south London and could come into contention to earn a place in their final XI.
His inclusion has been approved by the World Test Championship Final's Event Technical Committee.
Neser has been in excellent touch recently for Glamorgan in England's Country Championship, with the 33-year-old having claimed 19 wickets from five matches and even managed to score a century against Sussex.
It remains to see whether Australia picks him to partner captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, to go with 34-year-old Scott Boland. Boland has played just seven Tests for his country with 28 wickets at an imposing average of 13.42.
Updated Australia squad:
Pat Cummins (C), Steve Smith (VC), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (WK), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (WK), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, David Warner
Standby players: Mitch Marsh, Matthew Renshaw
(ICC inputs)
