Josh Hazlewood's Sheffield Shield Return Aims for India Series Prep

Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is set to play his first Sheffield Shield match of the season for New South Wales, preparing for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Hazlewood has been a pivotal figure for Australia in the ICC World Test Championship with a notable record of 51 wickets in 11 matches.

Australian pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood will make his much-anticipated return to the Sheffield Shield for New South Wales, this being his first match of the season. This outing serves as a crucial building block for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, a series that kicks off on November 22 in Australia.

Hazlewood, who has been instrumental in Australia's ongoing ICC World Test Championship campaign, claiming 51 wickets across 11 matches at an impressive average of 20.45, was sidelined due to illness and missed the recent One Day Cup match against Victoria. His appearance against Queensland marks his first competitive game since the conclusion of the England series in September.

The New South Wales team, impacted by international call-ups, will be missing several key players including Nathan Lyon, as the ace spinner recuperates from his recent bowling workload. In Lyon's absence, leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha steps in, while Queensland is captained by Mitchell Swepson with several players on national duty.

(With inputs from agencies.)