Big Josh 50-50 for Boxing Day Test

JOSH Hazlewood is racing the clock to be fit for Boxing Day, as common sense and compelling statistics mount a case for him being rested at the MCG.

Selectors have recalled Hazlewood to the Australian squad in a sign he is close to recovering from a minor side strain, but coaches and medical staff will get a good look at the big fast bowler in the nets on Friday before a call is made on whether he’s ready for a Test return.

Hazlewood is considered to be a 50-50 chance of playing in Melbourne, but there are several factors which might sway selectors to err on the side of caution and save the world’s most consistent fast bowler for the fourth and fifth Tests.

Australia is already up 2-0 in the series and the MCG is renowned as a back-breaker for fast bowlers.

In fact it’s the only surface Hazlewood has consistently struggled on at home – taking 14 wickets from six Tests at an average of nearly 40.

Jhye Richardson is ready if Hazlewood is put on ice, and the young West Australian – shorter and skiddier than the other quicks – believes he could be a point of difference for Australia on the notoriously difficult MCG deck.

“It’s just another string to the bow for the team to have different variations for different scenarios of the game,” Richardson said.

“I certainly agree that potentially being a little bit skiddier on wickets that are maybe up and down, that may be an advantage for sure. We’ve seen the MCG be a little flat at times. I know that they’ve made an adjustment this year, and it’s been quite green.”