EXCLUSIVE: Mark Taylor urges Australia not to rush Josh Hazlewood back into the side
Former Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor Former Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor says he hopes Josh Hazlewood is rested for the Boxing Day Test, with the paceman battling a side strain injury.
Hazlewood suffered the injury during the first Test at The Gabba, in which the 30-year-old was limited to bowling just 14 of the 103 overs in England's second innings.
After he was ruled out for the Adelaide Test, he was replaced with Jhye Richardson.
READ MORE: Two years Ashes preparation wasted, says Atherton
READ MORE: Massive blow for Nadal's Australian Open hopes
THE MOLE: Storm winger close to securing new club in Sydney
With Australia now on the verge of Ashes glory leading the series against England 2-0, Taylor said he would be shocked to see Hazlewood brought back into the side in time for Boxing Day.
"I will be very surprised if Josh Hazlewood plays the Boxing Day Test," Taylor told Wide World of Sports.
Josh Hazlewood. Getty
"A side strain for a fast bowler, those sorts of things - I can't imagine that goes away in a week, maybe even two.
"Now, particularly with Australia up 2-0, Pat Cummins will come back in for sure.
"They've got Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson and Cameron Green to choose from.
"I will be surprised if they don't tell Josh Hazlewood to stay in Sydney and continue his rehab and get ready for the Sydney Test."
Meanwhile, Taylor said Richardson's performance during the Adelaide Test has handed him the honours of becoming the next man up for the Australian bowling unit.
Jhye Richardson of Australia celebrates Getty
In his first Test match since 2019, Richardson ripped through England's second innings with figures of 5-42 as Australia took a 2-0 lead in the Ashes series.
The 25-year-old during that innings claimed England's openers - Rory Burns and Haseeb Hameed.
He was brought into the Test side along with Michael Neser with skipper Pat Cummins also ruled out after coming into contact with a COVID-19 case.
"Richardson in his first game back after a long layoff ... he was the pick of the two, he's got that little bit more pace which was saw was an advantage yesterday when pitches flatten out and there's not a lot of swing," Taylor added.
"He's got that extra about him. If there was a bowler for the next spot, or for one spot, he certainly won it yesterday.
"It's not taking anything away from Neser who had a very good game. A very sound debut Test match.
"He (Neser) did everything that was required of him and took a couple of wickets.
"I don't think it will be his last game."
Great Ashes moments since 1990: The centuries, wicket hauls, deliveries, catches and rescue missions that highlight cricket's longest rivalry
