India's relief as star quick exits T20s for Ashes prep

India's batters are letting out a sigh of relief after evergreen quick Josh Hazlewood left Australia's Twenty20 series to prepare for the Ashes.

After destroying India at the MCG on Friday night with a mesmerising spell of 3-13 from his four overs, Hazlewood will have a short break before lining up for NSW in the Sheffield Shield.

The 34-year-old, who has dealt with numerous injuries over the last few years, will be more important than ever to Australia's hopes of retaining the urn.

With captain Pat Cummins ruled out for at least the first Test - and likely longer - Hazlewood and fellow pace ace Mitchell Starc will be forced to carry more of the load than usual.

Starc and Hazlewood will play together in the Shield when they face the third member of the pace attack, Scott Boland, agains