Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood is likely to miss the remainder of the Test series against India after sustaining a calf strain during warm-ups on the fourth day of the Brisbane Test. The injury, which occurred prior to his bowling, has ruled Hazlewood out for the rest of the match, and he is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the series.

Hazlewood, who had recently returned to the side following a side strain that kept him out of the Adelaide Test, looked laboured during his brief spell in the field. After a meeting with head coach Andrew McDonald and physio Nick Jones, Hazlewood struggled with his pace, failing to exceed 131kph and bowling a wide long hop that was cut away by India's KL Rahul. During the subsequent drinks break, Hazlewood walked off the field after a lengthy conversation with Pat Cummins, Steven Smith, and the physio.

Cricket Australia confirmed the extent of Hazlewood's injury, stating that the bowler had suffered a right-sided calf strain that would prevent him from continuing in the Brisbane Test. The team further revealed that scans had confirmed the severity of the strain, and Hazlewood would be unavailable for the remainder of the series.

A Cricket Australia statement read: "Josh Hazlewood has sustained a right sided calf strain which will prevent him from playing any further part in the Test match against India in Brisbane. He sustained the injury during the warm-up this morning, and after bowling one over, was unable to continue. He is likely to miss the remainder of the Test series. A squad replacement will be made in due course."

With Hazlewood out, Australia will rely on Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon to lead the bowling attack for the remainder of the match. Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, and Marnus Labuschagne are expected to provide support. Despite the setbacks, Australia remains focused on forcing a victory, with the follow-on being their best chance to claim the win. However, this strategy will put added strain on Starc and Cummins.

In the wake of Hazlewood's injury, Scott Boland is set to make his return for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, where he impressed with a stunning 6 for 7 debut performance against England in 2021-22. Australian captain Cummins had previously noted the possibility of Boland featuring in the series, acknowledging that "history suggests there's always some form of natural attrition throughout a Test series."

Hazlewood's latest injury follows a series of fitness setbacks in recent years. Earlier this year, he suffered a mild calf strain that ruled him out of the T20I series against Scotland and England. The Brisbane Test marked his 10th consecutive appearance after a frustrating period marked by injuries and omissions due to conditions on the subcontinent. Hazlewood has missed 18 of Australia's last 35 Tests dating back to the 2021-22 Ashes series.

The 33-year-old expressed his frustration with the side strain earlier this year, revealing that it was not a typical injury but rather one caused by repetitive use. Despite a solid preparation, Hazlewood struggled with the issue again, prompting numerous consultations with Cricket Australia's medical staff.

With Hazlewood's absence, Australia will now turn to Boland to bolster their bowling attack for the upcoming Tests, starting with the Boxing Day fixture at the MCG.