Aussie Warrior Josh Hazlewood Roars Back to Top Form
Eager for the WTC Final: Hazlewood's Optimism Shines
Josh Hazlewood, the rugged Aussie quick, is gearing up for a fiery showdown against the South Africans in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final at the hallowed Lord's ground. Fresh off a remarkable stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Hazlewood is ready to reclaim his spot in the Australian Test XI.
Keeping injuries at bay has been a challenge for the seamer in recent years, but he arrives in the UK fit and focused, slightly later than his teammates, having wrapped up the IPL triumph. He bowled a modest few overs during Australia's optional training session in Beckenham, with a more intense workout awaiting him at Lord's, where he aims to hit top speed.
If he aces the fitness test, Hazlewood stands a good chance of edging out Scott Boland for a spot in the starting XI. The veteran has been in scintillating form since his return to the Test setup during the 2023 Ashes, bagging 57 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 19.68[1].
"I was a whisker away last time," Hazlewood said[2]. "I had more of an interrupted IPL leading up to that, and had a few niggles here and there, so wasn't quite up to scratch. But I feel in a much better place this time around," he added.
"My numbers over the last two years have been pretty good, so I've got a lot to fall back on, skill-wise. I still feel like I'm bowling probably the best over my career, and it's just about keeping my body healthy," he noted. "The intensity is crucial for me, and we're working hard to adapt the training to cope with the higher demands of Test cricket," he added[2].
His adaptation to English conditions will be key to his success, as he plans to pitch the ball a bit fuller in the powerplay to threaten the stumps more effectively[2]. Hazlewood has a staunch belief in the value of having an allrounder in the side, like Cameron Green, Mitchell Marsh, and Beau Webster, who can provide that all-important relief for the bowling attack[2].
While Green won't be available to bowl until later in the year due to his recovery from an injury[1], Hazlewood remains a staunch advocate for the dynamic, game-changing impact that an allrounder can have on the team's fortunes.
"I remember when we didn't have one… it was tough work. We were continually bowling, almost following the next guy at the other end, and then switching ends. Gazza (Nathan Lyon) was from one end, and we all rotated," he said[2]. "To have that bowler in our ranks makes a huge difference. Even Travis (Head) and Marnus (Labuschagne) can help out, providing some overs just to give us that extra break, whether it be the second new ball or the next day or later in the series. It just snowballs if you don't have that allrounder, and you're just continually bowling," he added[2].
With his fitness, form, and mental fortitude all on point, Hazlewood is ready to dish out some hard-hitting blows on the South African batting lineup, as he drives Australia to defend and reign supreme in the ICC World Test Championship.
[1] - [https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1308339.html][2] - [https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/32927269/josh-hazlewood- Looks-in-best-rhythm-of-career-as-he-targets-return-to-australias-test-xi-for-icc-wtc-final-against-south-africa][3] - [https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/13148/1323452.html][4] - [https://www.news.com.au/sport/cricket/australia-vs-south-africa/josh-hazlewoodto-push-for-against-south-africain-icc-world-test-championship-final-scott-boland-tony-udell-desert-boots- 1248449207]
- The weather in the UK is crucial for Josh Hazlewood's success in the ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa, as it will affect the conditions for pitching the ball.
- The sports news highlights Josh Hazlewood's comeback to top form, ready to reclaim his spot in the Australian Test XI, as many share their opinions about his chances against South Africa.
- Besides cricket, Josh Hazlewood's career achievements also include winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His experience in games like IPL can contribute to his performances in the World Test Championship final.
