pacer Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the opening match in Nagpur.

Australia’s injury concerns continue to mount ahead of the first Test against India with key pacer Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the opening match in Nagpur.

Hazelwood has been battling an Achilles problem he picked up during Australia’s home Test against South Africa last month and has failed to bowl during training in Alur over the last few days.

The absence of Hazlewood robs Australia of another key member of their potent bowling attack for the crucial ICC World Test Championship clash, with veteran left-armer Mitchell Starc already ruled out of the series opener through injury.

Star all-rounder Cameron Green won’t be able to bowl during the Test due to his own injury, meaning seamers Scott Boland and uncapped quick Lance Morris will be considered for the final XI.

Boland partnered skipper Pat Cummins at Australia training on Sunday and Hazlewood thinks the right-armer is more than capable of filling the void.

“Scotty has bowled plenty at the MCG when it was a flat wicket, it probably wasn’t swinging or reverse swinging so he knows how to work hard for a long period of time,” Hazlewood said.

“You’ve got Lance Morris who has worked hard on reverse swing for the last month and then a nice lead in here with a few sessions.

“The guys are excited first of all to play in the sub-continent, they both haven’t yet, but they’re very well qualified to do so.”