In January, Josh Hazlewood played his final Test match against South Africa at the Sydney Cricket Ground. After recovering from an Achilles injury, Hazlewood featured in only three IPL 2023 matches. The 32-year-old also missed last week’s World Test Championship final due to a side strain he sustained during the Indian Premier League.
In the impending Ashes, however, Australia will have his services, as the seamer expects to play at least three games in the five-game series.
Having made himself available for the June 16 series opener at Edgbaston, Hazlewood provided an update on his fitness and disclosed the number of matches he hopes to participate in.
“A few years ago, I would have said that I wished to play in all six matches. Nevertheless, based on the past two years, I suppose it’s a tad different now. Three would be an excellent pass, while four is likely a strike. According to Hazlewood, “Anything more than that is fantastic, and anything less leaves me a little disappointed,” The West Australian quoted him as saying.
We likely played twenty or thirty Tests without an all-rounder: Josh Hazlewood.
Scott Boland played against India in the WTC final and concluded with five wickets. He bowled with impeccable accuracy, impressing both admirers and experts. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will almost certainly participate in the first test match, barring any last-minute injuries. As Australia seeks to retain the Ashes, the selectors will face a difficult choice between Hazlewood and Boland.
Josh Hazlewood stated that he is not anxious about his place in the starting eleven. He believed that the bowling depth in the XI would encourage the bowlers to give their all.
“When you have that much substance, you push yourself to the limit and then reevaluate after the game. You always have a high-caliber individual waiting on the pine.”
The former world’s No. 2 Test bowler also mentioned how the emergence of players such as Boland and Cameron Green would benefit other bowlers, who would not have to overwork when they have a complaint. This, according to Hazlewood, could help them extend their careers.
“With a minor injury, you might miss one or two games now rather than risking it and missing three or four months later.” We probably played 20 or 30 Tests without an all-rounder, which was a difficult situation for several years. If there are four or five of us, we can stay together for longer.”
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