Josh Hazlewood has not played ODI cricket since the Champions Trophy in June last year
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Australia will be without pace bowler Josh Hazlewood in the second ODI against England in Brisbane on January 19 as he is suffering from a virus.
Hazlewood is the latest player to be affected by the virus as it has spread among the Australian players, starting with pace bowler Pat Cummins. Wicketkeeper Tim Paine, opening batsman David Warner and captain Steve Smith all fell ill shortly after.
However, England have also been affected as batsmen Joe Root and James Vince also showed symptoms of the virus.
Hazlewood was rested for the first ODI in order to spend some time at home following the Ashes, where he took 21 wickets at an average of 25.90.
Given that Cummins is still being rested, it is likely that Jhye Richardson will make his ODI debut.
Richardson has been playing for the Perth Scorchers in the ongoing Big Bash League, where he has claimed five wickets in six games at an average of 44.20.
Prior to the first ODI in Melbourne, Richardson, who has been clocked at 149 kph over the past year, admitted that he is willing to play any role.
“That’s something we have to sum up when we play,” he was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “I could come in and need to play a different role than being the impact bowler. I could have to come in and try to tie up an end during a period where they’re going really well. I’m ready for whatever challenge pops up. If I do get to play and I need to come in and do a particular job, then I’m ready for it.
“You have to be quite disciplined, you’ve got 60 balls, not 24. In the Big Bash, you can go for a few boundaries but one dot ball out of 24 is [more important] than one out of 60. But having said that, if you go to the boundary more often in a one-day game, you’ve got 60 balls to do that, so you’ve got to be quite a lot more disciplined in the sense that you’ve got a lot more balls to bowl, a lot more good balls.
“It’s not all about pace, we get told that quite early. Especially at this level, you can bowl as fast as you want but if you’re not bowling well it goes to the boundary just as quick.”
Australia will be looking to level the series at 1-1 in Brisbane after England opener Jason Roy smashed a career-best 180 to lead his side to victory in the first ODI.