Josh Hazlewood to Miss Scotland T20I Series Due to Calf Strain

Josh Hazlewood will miss Australia's T20I series against Scotland with a calf strain, making way for Riley Meredith's return. The injury, sustained during training, is minor, and Hazlewood aims to rejoin the squad for the England tour in September.

Seasoned pacer Josh Hazlewood will miss Australia's upcoming T20I series against Scotland due to a calf strain sustained during training last week. The injury is minor, and ESPNcricinfo reports that the 33-year-old is expected to be available for Australia's white-ball tour of England starting September 11.

Hazlewood's setback opens a door for Riley Meredith, who returns after a three-year hiatus. Meredith last represented Australia in 2021 against the West Indies. In the English season, he played white-ball cricket for Somerset, taking 14 wickets in the T20 Blast and six in three one-day cup games.

Overall, Meredith has taken eight wickets in five T20I matches, with previous appearances against the West Indies and New Zealand. Initially, Hazlewood was the only mainstay pacer slated for the Scotland series. Pat Cummins is out of the entire tour, while Mitchell Starc is set for the ODI series against England.

In an earlier statement, Cummins emphasized his focus on fitness and recovery. Before Australia's UK tour, Hazlewood became the second pacer ruled out of the Scotland series.

Spencer Johnson was also ruled out last week. With a revamped pace attack comprising Meredith, Xavier Bartlett, Sean Abbott, and Nathan Ellis, Australia is set to compete. The squad includes all-rounders Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Marcus Stoinis and captain Mitchell Marsh.

The spin department will feature experienced spinner Adam Zampa and uncapped Cooper Connolly. The first T20I of the three-match series will be held on September 4 in Edinburgh.

The Australia T20I squad for the Scotland series includes Mitchell Marsh (capt.), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Riley Meredith, Marcus Stoinis, and Adam Zampa.

(With inputs from agencies.)