Hazlewood Misses Day 2, Eyes Day 3 Return for Australia

Josh Hazlewood’s latest Test challenge did not come from South Africa’s batters, but from illness. The Australia fast bowler missed Day 2 of the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Monday, October 19, with reports indicating he is expected to recover in time to return to bowling on Day 3.

It was a frustrating interruption for Australia in a match already shaped by weather. Heavy rain caused long delays, and play resumed late on Monday after much of the day had been lost. Hazlewood, one of Australia’s key pace options, did not take the field during the opening sessions, leaving the visitors without his control and experience for a significant part of the contest.

Australia Left Short-Handed by Hazlewood’s Absence

Hazlewood’s absence mattered because of the role he had already played in the match. On Day 1, he bowled only five overs, conceding just three runs before rain cut short proceedings. In total, just 12.2 overs were possible on the opening day, turning the Test into a stop-start battle where every spell carried extra value.

Without Hazlewood, Australia still had serious pace firepower to lean on, but the balance of their attack changed slightly. Scott Boland took the lead and quickly made his presence felt on Day 2, dismissing overnight batter Marques Ackerman early after already delivering a decisive punch the previous day.

Boland Steps Up as the Pressure Builds

Boland had been central to Australia’s early success from the start of the match. On Day 1, he removed Aiden Markram and David Bedingham, helping reduce South Africa to 25-3 inside the first 15 overs. That burst gave Australia immediate control and underlined the depth of their fast-bowling attack even without Hazlewood in full rhythm.

With captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc also available, Australia remain well equipped to maintain pressure. Still, Hazlewood’s presence adds a different dimension. His ability to hold a tight line, build pressure, and cash in when batters make mistakes has long been one of Australia’s biggest weapons in overseas conditions.

As one team source reportedly suggested, Australia are hopeful the setback is temporary rather than serious. “The expectation is he should be available again soon,” the report indicated, though no formal medical update has been issued by Cricket Australia.

Why Hazlewood’s Return Matters So Much

The timing of the illness is especially notable because Hazlewood had just delivered a standout performance in the first Test in Durban. There, he produced a stunning final-day spell, finishing with six wickets for 49 runs to help Australia seal a commanding 214-run victory.

That performance once again highlighted why he remains such a crucial figure in Australia’s Test plans. When Hazlewood is fit, he not only brings wicket-taking ability but also stability, often controlling one end while the strike bowlers attack from the other.

“Hazlewood is the kind of bowler who changes the rhythm of a Test without always needing the headlines,” an observer noted. “Even a short spell can shift momentum.”

Australia will be hoping for exactly that kind of influence again if he is cleared to return on Day 3. In a rain-hit Test where sessions have already been lost, having all three frontline quicks available could be decisive in forcing South Africa onto the back foot.

Rain, Rotation and the Road Ahead

Weather has already played a major part in shaping this Test, and that makes squad fitness even more important. With limited overs bowled so far, teams cannot afford to lose momentum, and Australia know that every available fast bowler may be needed if conditions stay difficult.

Hazlewood’s expected return would restore Australia’s preferred pace combination and give Cummins more options in rotating workloads. It would also allow Australia to sustain the kind of relentless pressure they applied so effectively in the first Test.

For now, the key update is encouraging but not final. Hazlewood’s return on Day 3 is based on media reports, not an official confirmation. Even so, Australia will be relieved that the issue appears to be illness rather than a more serious injury concern.

If he does come back into the attack, South Africa’s batters will be facing a refreshed and dangerous pace unit at a time when the Test is still delicately poised. In a match already disrupted by rain, Hazlewood’s availability could prove to be one of the biggest turning points yet.