Australia bowler Hazlewood likely out of India series

Australia are likely to be without seamer Josh Hazlewood for the remainder of the Border–Gavaskar Trophy series.

Hazlewood suffered a calf injury on day four of the third Test in Brisbane, as India battled to avoid the follow-on.

With Hazlewood out of action, the onus fell on Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc to lead Australia's attack, and those pacemen eventually tired, albeit having taken seven wickets between them in the innings so far.

Hazlewood missed the second Test in Adelaide due to a side injury, and it now looks unlikely the 33-year-old will return for either of the final two matches.

Stumps on Day 4 in Brisbane! A fighting day with the bat #TeamIndia move to 252/9, trail by 193 runs A gripping Day 5 of Test cricket awaits tomorrow Scorecard - https://t.co/dcdiT9NAoa#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/QxCJkN3RR8

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 17, 2024

"He felt it this morning in warm-ups and gave it a good crack," said Australia bowling coach Daniel Vettori, as reported by BBC Sport.

"It's just unfortunate for him to come back after putting so much effort in after another injury. It was tough on him.

"He's one of the best bowlers in the world and it obviously affects the whole team."

India are on 252-9, trailing by 193 heading into the final day at the Gabba, where a draw seems the most likely result.