Josh Hazlewood Test. (Photo Source : Getty Images)
Josh Hazlewood played his last Test against South Africa in January at the Sydney Cricket Ground. In IPL 2023, Hazlewood played just three matches after recuperating from an Achilles injury. The 32-year-old also missed the World Test Championship final last week as he had not recovered from the side strain he encountered during the IPL.
In the upcoming Ashes though, Australia will have his services as the seamer is hopeful of playing at least three matches in the five-match series.
Having made himself available for the series opener that is scheduled to be held at Edgbaston on June 16, Hazlewood gave an update on his fitness as he revealed the number of matches he is hopeful of playing.
“If we go back a few years, I would have said (I wanted to play) all six (matches). But I guess it’s a little bit different now, based on the last two years. Three would be a nice pass and four is probably a tick. Any more than that is great, any less then I am probably a little disappointed again,” Hazlewood said as quoted by The West Australian.
We probably played 20 or 30 Tests with no allrounder: Josh Hazlewood
Scott Boland played the WTC final against India and finished with five wickets in the match. He bowled with immaculate accuracy and impressed fans and experts alike. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc are almost certain to play the first Test unless any last-minute niggles. The selectors will have to take a tough call between Hazlewood and Boland as Australia aim to retain the Ashes.
Hazlewood said he is not nervous about his spot in the first XI. He believed that the depth in bowling would help the bowlers in the XI to give their all.
“When you have that depth, you really go as hard as you can and then reassess after the game. You always have someone of high quality sitting on the pine and ready to go.”
The former world No. 2 Test bowler also mentioned how the rise of players like Boland and Cameron Green would help the other bowlers, who would not have to overexert themselves when they have a niggle. According to Hazlewood, this could help them prolong their careers.
“You might miss one or two games with a niggle now, rather than pushing it and missing three or four months. We probably played 20 or 30 Tests with no allrounder, and that was pretty tough yards for a few years. If we have a group of four or five quicks we can go together for longer.”