Aussies sweat on scans for Josh
Beams steps away from game
AUSTRALIAN paceman Josh Hazlewood was sent for scans on his left hamstring last night after limping out of the first Test against New Zealand.
Hazlewood was running in for the third ball of his second over when he abandoned the delivery and then later trudged off.
The 28-year-old felt for his left hamstring the delivery before, and he was downcast as he limped off the ground with his cap hiding his face.
Australia confirmed Hazlewood had suffered a suspected strain.
Just minutes earlier he produced a brilliant inswinger to bowl opener Jeet Raval for one, reducing NZ to 2-1 in reply to Australia’s 416.
Complicating the Hazlewood situation is Australia don’t have an all-rounder in their current XI.
It means if Hazlewood is unable to bowl for the rest of the match, it would heap extra pressure on fellow pacemen Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
Both Starc and Cummins
Collingwood star Dayne Beams will take an indefinite break from football as he battles mental health issues.
A mutual decision has been made by Collingwood, medical professionals and Beams for the 2010 premiership player to step away as he battles his physical and mental concerns.
“My health and football have come to feel like competing priorities, which is not a position that is helping or enabling me to meet my responsibilities,” Beams said in a statement.
“I have been trying to meet this challenge for a number of years, but with a series of have battled injuries in the past, and Australia would be reluctant to overwork them in the Perth heat, with a top of 41C forecast for today.
Spinner Nathan Lyon and part-timer Marnus Labuschagne could bowl extra overs to cover for Hazlewood.
And Matthew Wade will also come into play, with the former wicketkeeper thrown the ball in the eighth over of the innings to unleash some of his medium pacers.
Gold Coast all-rounder Michael Neser, who is yet to play a Test, and experienced Victorian paceman James Pattinson are part of the wider squad and one will come into the selection frame for the Boxing Day Test if Hazlewood is out debilitating recent injuries and my mental health a work in progress, I have reached a point where I know that stepping away from football is necessary.
“I want to thank all who have supported me and my family. I look forward to a brighter future.”
It is the second time Beams has stepped away from the game since rejoining the Magpies from Brisbane at the end of 2018.
Collingwood chief executive Mark Anderson said Beams had the club’s support.
“Dayne has made a difficult and brave call that we support completely,” he said.
“Collingwood will continue to support and assist Dayne, his wife Kelly and their children as Dayne works towards a return to full health.”
Beams is contracted for a further three seasons.