The best and worst case scenario for Hazlewood after side strain injury

Frontline Australian quick Josh Hazlewood will miss at least the second Test against India in Adelaide with a left side strain.

While Hazlewood’s strain was described as ‘low grade’ by Cricket Australia, former Aussie quick Damien Fleming thinks that the 33-year-old will miss at least two Tests.

If the New South Welshman’s injury does end up recovering quickly, Fleming thinks that he’ll have a chance to play in the fourth Test in Melbourne.

But if the injury causes him further trouble, Fleming believes that Hazlewood could miss multiple months with his entire Test summer lost to the concern.

“Without a doubt (it’s a concern). But, it depends on the grade of the tear, they're saying it’s slight,” Fleming told SEN Afternoons.

“My gut feel is if it's very slight, he'd be a chance for Boxing Day.

“But if it’s a significant side strain, then he won't play any further part in this Test series … that’s without knowing the grade. 

“I know fast bowlers have been out for three months with what we call ‘the grunter muscle’, it’s a very common injury.

“At best, I think Boxing Day, at worst, that's the end of the Test summer.”

SEN Cricket’s Adam White compared Hazlewood’s concern to Victoria’s Will Sutherland who hasn’t returned to First Class cricket since suffering a low-grade side strain against South Australia in early November.

“We've only got to think of Will Sutherland from a Victorian point of view,” White said.

“His is a six-week type of setback and it wasn't seen as a serious one either. 

“Considering how good Hazlewood was in the first Test, particularly in that first innings, it’s a big concern.”

Hazlewood took 4/29 and 1/28 in the first Test against India in Perth from a combined 34 overs, Victoria’s Scott Boland is tipped to replace him in Adelaide.

Listen to every ball of the second Test between Australia and India LIVE on SEN and the SEN app from Friday, December 6.