Last Update: Jan 08, 2023, 07:00 AM IST
On Josh Hazlewood’s 32nd birthday, let’s take a look at some of his most memorable spells in international cricket. (AP Photo)
Having proved his mettle in Tests and ODIs, Hazlewood has emerged as much more than a useful bowler in T20Is. He was instrumental in Australia’s victory in the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup
Happy birthday Josh Hazlewood: Josh Hazlewood has evolved into arguably the best fast bowler in the world. The fact that Hazlewood is powerful in all three formats of the game proves his greatness. The lanky fast bowler is known to test the batsman’s technique time and again and end up making mistakes. Consistent line and length is one of the main reasons for his success.
Furthermore, the New South Wales paceman is capable of troubling even the foremost batsmen in the world by producing consistent bounce from considerable height.
Having proved his mettle in Tests and ODIs, Hazlewood has emerged as much more than a useful bowler in T20Is. He was instrumental in Australia’s victory in the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup. On his 32nd birthday, let’s take a look at some of his most memorable spells in international cricket.
5/8 vs India, Adelaide Test (2020)
Josh Hazlewood demolished the famous Indian batting line-up with his impeccable line and length in the fourth innings of this Test match. After bowling Australia out for 191, India had managed to take a 53-run lead in the first innings. However, Hazlewood’s spell of 5/8 restricted India to just 36 runs in the second innings. Hazlewood’s heroics with the ball saw Australia win the match comfortably.
4/35 v Pakistan, Adelaide (ICC ODI World Cup 2015)
Hazlewood played a key role in the quarter-final of the 2015 ODI World Cup against Pakistan. Hazlewood’s impressive spell of 4/35 saw Pakistan bundle out for just 213 runs in the first innings. His scalps included the likes of Ahmed Shehzad and Shahid Afridi. He was awarded the player of the match for his match-winning spell in a high-stakes match.
4/12 v Sri Lanka, Sydney T20I (2022)
Josh Hazlewood claimed his career-best Twenty20 International figures of 4-12 to propel Australia to a comfortable victory against Sri Lanka in this match. This spell at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground is one of Hazlewood’s finest spells in limited overs cricket.
6/70 vs New Zealand, Adelaide Test (2015)
Hazlewood showed his class in the first Test match played under lights at the Adelaide Oval in 2015. The hosts were without the services of Mitchell Starc for a major part of the match. However, Hazlewood stepped in when his team needed him the most. The clever fast bowler produced a magical performance in the third innings and ended with astonishing figures of 6/70. Due to Hazlewood’s memorable spell, the Kiwi team was able to give a target of 187 runs.
4/68 vs South Africa, Adelaide Test (2016)
South Africa were rattled by the indispensable Josh Hazlewood after opting to bat first in this Test match. Hazlewood blunted the Proteas batting line-up by removing the experienced Hashim Amla and big-hitting Quinton de Kock. He eventually finished with figures of 4/68 and set the tone for the rest of the match. Australia registered a memorable victory on the basis of Hazlewood’s impressive performance of fast bowling.
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