In the last few years, the Australian team has achieved immense success and their lethal fast-bowling unit has been a major reason for that success. An important member of that fast-bowling unit has been Josh Hazlewood. The experienced speedster is celebrating his 33rd birthday today. His partnership with the skipper Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc has made Australia a very formidable side which has also gone to win trophies.
Josh Hazlewood made his international debut in 2010 in an ODI match against England at Southampton. The talented pacer had to wait for some years for his debut in T20I and test format. He got to play his first T20I match against West Indies at Brisbane. Around a couple of years later Hazlewood received his baggy green for the first time as he made his debut in the longest format against India in December 2014.
Comparisons with McGrath
Josh Hazlewood was very similar in style to the great Australian fast bowler, Glenn McGrath. Just like McGrath, Hazlewood would operate in 130s but his accuracy with line and length would trouble the batters. His ability to bowl large spells in the same cordon has been a big factor behind his success in Test cricket.
Josh has represented Australia in 66 test matches where he has managed to scalp 249 wickets at a brilliant average of 25.95. In ODI cricket he has played 85 matches picking up 132 wickets at an average of 26.61. A lot of fans and pundits did not rate him highly as a T20 bowler but he has also performed considerably well in the shortest format as well with 58 wickets to his name in 41 T20 internationals.
Last year Australia won the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup and Josh Hazlewood was very crucial in both victorious campaigns. He will continue to play a significant role in the Australian bowling department and the Aussie fans would hope for more bowling masterclasses from Hazlewood.