BGT: Hazlewood has 'a few boxes to tick' ahead of Brisbane Test

Australia are in line for a big boost with star pacer Josh Hazlewood slated to be fit for third Test

- TRIDIB BAPARNASH

With Australia hoping to continue their momentum in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy and more importantly looking to improve on their recent record at the Gabba, the venue for the third Test against India, starting on 14 December, the home side could be boosted by the return of their premier quick Josh Hazlewood, who missed the Pink-ball game in Adelaide due to a side strain.

Hazlewood was forced to watch on from the sidelines as Australia clinched an impressive 10-wicket triumph in Adelaide to level the five-match series 1-1 and boost their chances of reaching next year's ICC World Test Championship final in June next year. In the absence of Hazlewood, Australia drafted in Scott Boland for the day-night Test and the right-arm seamer came up with an impressive performance, picking up five wickets across the two innings.

On Monday, Hazlewood was put through his paces in Adelaide and the pacer is aiming to make his return for the third Test in Brisbane should he pull up well over the next couple of days.