Hazlewood set for Australian Test debut, Starc recalled

Brisbane, Dec 16:

Pacer Josh Hazlewood is set to make his Test debut for Australia in the second match against India at the Gabba, starting Wednesday.

The New South Wales (NSW) right-armer has ten wickets to his credit in six One-Day Internationals (ODIs).

Stand-in captain Steve Smith was all praise for his NSW teammate, saying that the Gabba pitch would suit the 23-year-old Hazlewood perfectly.

“I’ve watched Josh very closely over the last couple of years at NSW and he impresses me every time. I think he’s only getting better and better. This pitch out here is going to suit him perfectly,” Smith said as quoted by bcci.tv.

“He’s very young and skillful. I’m just looking forward to see him bowl with that extra bit of pace and get that extra bit of bounce as well. So, it’s very exciting for Josh to make his debut,” he added.

Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc has also been recalled for the second Test as Ryan Harris suffered a minor injury and Peter Siddle has been dropped for his below-par show in the first Test.

On the 24-year-old Starc’s inclusion, Smith said, “We just wanted to play a bowler with a bit of extra pace and bounce. Mitchell obviously went back and bowled really well in the last couple of (Sheffield Shield) games and deserves his spot.”

Left-handed batsman Shaun Marsh will get a place in the team as Michael Clarke has injured his right hamstring.

Australia’s XI for the second Test: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Steven Smith (capt), Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Brad Haddin (wk), Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Nathon Lyon, Josh Hazlewood. (IANS)