Australian quick Josh Hazlewood says he will be fit for Sydney and does expect to play in the new year’s Test.
The New South Welshman has missed the last two Tests with a side strain after playing the West Indies in Perth. He ruled himself out of the Boxing Day Test on Christmas morning when suggesting he was underdone, ensuring a selection call between himself and Scott Boland didn’t have to be made.
But speaking exclusively to SEN Test Cricket before play on day four, Hazlewood believes all the signs are pointing one way.
“At this stage I am. I’ve got a few more overs to bowl during this game in the nets, I had a good hit out two days ago,” he replied when questioned about playing at the SCG next week.
“All the signs are good and I feel ready and fit.”
He added: “For this game, If I could bank on less than 30 overs today (Thursday) I would have been sweet. But if it goes deep… especially with Greeny (Cam Green) going down, 40 overs might have been a stretch so made the call before the game”.
Meanwhile, when asked if selectors had told him if he’d play in Sydney, Hazlewood offered a coy response.
“I think I’ll be right, yeah,” he laughed.
“I haven’t had a chat to them, but before this game I had a good chat with them over a few days and it ended up being my call for the game, so I feel in a good position.”
The new year’s Test begins on January 4, with Australia hoping to take an unassailable 2-0 lead into the match.