Australia suffers major blow ahead of Scotland T20I series

Australian cricket has been dealt a significant setback as pacer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against Scotland due to a calf strain. 

The series, scheduled to take place at the Grange Cricket Stadium in Edinburgh, will see Australia face Scotland in three matches on September 4, 6, and 7. In light of Hazlewood's absence, the Australian selectors have named Riley Meredith as his replacement in the squad.

Hazlewood's injury comes at a crucial time as Australia prepares for a busy period of white-ball cricket. Although the injury is considered minor, the team management has opted to rest the experienced fast bowler to ensure his fitness for the subsequent T20I and ODI series against England. The rivalry between the two nations is set to reignite later in the month, with Australia playing three T20Is and five ODIs in the United Kingdom.

Riley Meredith, who has been in excellent form during his stint with Somerset in England's domestic season, will step in to fill the void left by Hazlewood. The right-arm fast bowler was instrumental in Somerset's run to the T20 Blast final, claiming 14 wickets at an average of 22.78.

 His performances in the One-Day Cup have also been noteworthy, including a standout 4/27 against Middlesex at Lord’s. Meredith's last appearance for Australia in T20Is was in July 2021 against the West Indies.

Australia's pace attack for the Scotland series will now feature Meredith alongside Xavier Bartlett, Sean Abbott, and Nathan Ellis. 

Additionally, all-rounders Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, and Marcus Stoinis will provide seam-bowling options, with skipper Mitchell Marsh expected to contribute if fully fit. The spin department will be led by Adam Zampa, with uncapped Cooper Connolly providing backup.

As for Hazlewood, his recovery will be closely monitored, especially with the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the horizon. Australia may choose to err on the side of caution, given the importance of having their key pacer fit and firing for the long-format battles later in the year. 

Notably, Hazlewood was the only member of Australia’s renowned fast-bowling trio initially selected for the entire tour of the United Kingdom. Pat Cummins has been rested for the duration of the tour, while Mitchell Starc is set to join the squad ahead of the ODIs against England.