Hazlewood Ruled Out, Australia Faces Uphill Battle in Adelaide
Australia will be without star fast bowler Josh Hazlewood for the crucial second Test against India in Adelaide, presenting a significant challenge for the home side desperate to level the series.
Hazlewood’s absence marks the first Test he’ll miss at home against India since his debut. He was a key figure in Australia’s dominant Ashes victory at Headingley last year, but a side strain sustained then has unfortunately flared up again, ruling him out of the Adelaide encounter.
A Dominant Force Absent
Hazlewood proved to be a thorn in India’s side during the first Test in Perth, claiming 5 wickets for 57 runs across a grueling 34 overs. Four of those wickets came in the first innings, helping to dismantle India’s batting order and restrict them to a paltry 150 runs.
India’s Commanding Lead
India currently hold a commanding 1-0 lead in the tense five-match series after a brutally decisive victory in the first Test. The visitors demolished Australia by a massive 295 runs, leaving Australia with a significant uphill battle to climb.
The second Test, a day-night encounter under the lights, promises to be another intense clash between these two cricketing giants. Australia will be looking to bounce back strongly and even the series, while India will be aiming to consolidate their advantage and push towards a historic series victory on Australian soil.
Adelaide Awaits
The Adelaide Oval, famous for its electric atmosphere and unique day-night conditions, will provide the stage for this critical encounter. The second Test is scheduled to begin on December 6th and run until December 10th.
How might Hazlewood’s Act impact access to healthcare for Tennesseans, particularly those in underserved areas?
## Hazlewood’s Act: A Boost for TennCare?
**Anchor:** While many lawmakers in Tennessee are focused on the upcoming legislative session, State Representative Patsy Hazlewood’s “Annual Coverage Assessment Act of 2024” is already making waves. It aims to increase funding for TennCare, the state’s Medicaid program, but not without some controversy. Joining me today to discuss the potential impact of this Act is Dr. Emily Carter, a healthcare policy analyst at the Center for Rural Health in Nashville. Welcome, Dr. Carter.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me.
**Anchor:** Dr. Carter, this Act proposes raising the coverage assessment rate from 4.87% to 6%. Can you explain what that means in simpler terms and how it would affect TennCare?
**Dr. Carter:** Essentially, this means that hospitals in Tennessee will pay a higher percentage of their net patient revenue to help fund TennCare.
The idea is that this increase will generate an estimated $3 billion in additional federal funding for the program [[1](https://tnhousegop.org/state-rep-patsy-hazlewoods-capitol-hill-review-29/)]. Proponents, like Representative Hazlewood, argue that this is crucial to support rural and safety net hospitals, particularly those serving higher percentages of TennCare patients, and prevent cuts to vital services.
**Anchor:** Some might argue that asking hospitals to pay more is unfair, especially given the challenges they already face. What’s your perspective on that?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s a complex issue. While hospitals contribute significantly to healthcare access in Tennessee, they also face rising costs and staffing shortages. It’s essential to consider the potential impact on hospital finances and whether alternative funding mechanisms could achieve similar results. Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that this increased funding translates directly into improved access to care for Tennesseans, particularly those in underserved areas.
**Anchor:** This Act is raising complicated questions about healthcare funding and sustainability in Tennessee. Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing your insights.
**Dr. Carter:** My pleasure. It’s an important conversation to have.
**Anchor:** And we encourage viewers to stay tuned for further coverage of this developing story.
