Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has completed a secret training session as he bids to prove his fitness for the third Test against India.
Hazlewood missed the second Test in Adelaide after suffering a side strain.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Hazlewood’s secret session.
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The quick sent down two spells in Adelaide on Monday, the day after Australia locked up the series at 1-1, and is believed to have pulled up well from them.
But Thursday’s main training session was always looming as D-Day, and that’s when the mind games went to a whole new level.
After initially fielding and batting at the Gabba, Hazlewood was whisked away alongside Mitchell Starc and bowling coach Dan Vettori to Allan Border Field.
He then bowled without issue to Josh Inglis for 50 minutes, with the longer run-up space compared with the Gabba allowing the seamer to fully stretch out.
Channel 7 cameras captured exclusive shots of the session.
“It’s understood Hazlewood’s confident he can return for Saturday’s third Test … and this exclusive vision backs that up,” Channel 7 reporter Tom Wilson said.
“It was an eventful session here at the Gabba too, Steve Smith was hit where it hurts most by Pat Cummins and Travis Head left the fielding session early with the physio, but batted in the nets.”
With Hazlewood firming to play in the match, which begins on Saturday, Scott Boland is looming as the unlucky one to make way.
Hazlewood’s workout came as Marsh said he would have no issue bowling at the Gabba come day one on Saturday.
Marsh had been in doubt in the lead-up to Australia’s 10-wicket win over India in Adelaide, after pulling up sore from the 295-run loss in the first Test.
The allrounder then didn’t bowl in the lead-up to Adelaide as Australia called in Beau Webster for cover, before being asked to get through four overs in the first innings.
But Marsh was back to a normal preparation on Thursday, bowling in the nets early in Australia’s training as he readies himself for the crucial third Test in Brisbane.
“I had a sore back, but right now it’s feeling as good as it has felt,” Marsh said.
“We had a really clear plan before the series started.
“I didn’t bowl as much as I would have liked to in the lead-up to the series, but our medical staff and Ronnie (coach Andrew McDonald) and Patty (captain Pat Cummins) were really clear on my lead-up.
“I trusted that. I haven’t had to bowl too much so far, but my body is feeling really good.”
Marsh said he did not believe he had any limits on his bowling going into day one in Brisbane on Saturday, and did not foresee issues in getting through the summer.
“I’ll try and be ready to bowl as much as Patty needs me. Our allrounders haven’t bowled a hell of a lot in Australia the last few years,” Marsh said.
“But I am really thankful for our medical staff, Ronnie and Patty, who have allowed me the space between that first and second Test to just get right for the game.
“I am really well placed. For me it is all about being able to contribute.
“Whether that is five overs and bowling the occasional good ball and getting a wicket or just bowling overs to give our boys a chop out, I love it.”
Meanwhile, Australia brought spinner Matt Kuhnemann into training on Thursday, allowing him to work under bowling coach Vettori ahead of this summer’s Sri Lanka tour.
– With AAP