Sat Nov 30 18:31:44 UTC 2024: ## Rain Washes Out India’s Warm-up Match; Hazlewood Ruled Out of Second Test
**Canberra, Australia** – The first day of the two-day tour match between India and Australia’s Prime Minister’s XI was abandoned due to persistent rain at Manuka Oval on Saturday. The teams will now contest a 50-over match on Sunday.
This washout overshadowed a significant blow for Australia: fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the second Test against India, starting December 6th in Adelaide, due to a low-grade left side injury. Hazlewood, known for his success in day-night Tests – notably a 5-for-8 against India in 2020 – will remain with the team to recover.
Australia has called up Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett as replacements. Both have impressed recently in the Sheffield Shield, with Doggett boasting a five-wicket haul and career-best figures of 6 for 15 in a recent match against India A.
The setback comes as Australia trails 0-1 in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy following a heavy defeat in the first Test. The second Test, a day-night match, is crucial for the hosts.
Despite the rain, the Indian team, featuring returning players Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, completed a photoshoot with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The match between India and the PM’s XI, which will be broadcast on Star Sports Network in India and streamed on Disney+Hotstar, is seen as a crucial warm-up for the upcoming Test.
First Piper 