Australia suffered a major setback on Tuesday as pacer Josh Hazlewood sustained calf soreness during the fourth day of the third Test against India. The 33-year-old bowled just one over before leaving the field at the Gabba, raising concerns about his fitness.

“Josh Hazlewood reported calf awareness in this morning’s warm-up,” confirmed a Cricket Australia spokesperson. “He will be taken for scans to assess the injury.”

Hazlewood, returning to the side after missing the Pink Ball Test due to a side strain, was seen in discussions with captain Pat Cummins, Steven Smith and physio Nick Jones before exiting the field. The pacer had replaced Scott Boland, who featured in the day-night Test in Adelaide.

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If Hazlewood fails to return, Australia face the daunting task of dismissing India with one bowler short, significantly impacting their chances of securing a win.

Meanwhile, KL Rahul anchored India’s fightback with a determined unbeaten fifty. India reached 105 for five in 30.5 overs when rain interrupted play. Resuming at 51 for four overnight, the visitors suffered an early blow as skipper Rohit Sharma fell for 10, edging Pat Cummins to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

With Hazlewood’s fitness hanging in the balance and India’s resistance led by Rahul, Australia will need to regroup quickly to keep their victory hopes alive.