Josh Hazlewood is currently experiencing what he describes as the finest rhythm of his bowling career as he aims for a spot in Australia’s Test XI for the highly anticipated ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's. After facing several challenges with injuries over recent years, the experienced fast bowler is looking to further enhance his already impressive career. Hazlewood's journey to the UK began late, when he arrived alongside fellow cricketer Josh Inglis, following a standout Indian Premier League season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. During this IPL campaign, Hazlewood excelled, capturing 22 wickets and playing a pivotal role in guiding his team to the title.
In preparation for the Test match, Hazlewood has gradually reintegrated into red-ball cricket, participating in an optional training session in Beckenham, where he bowled approximately five overs at a modest intensity. This initial phase is set to ramp up at Lord's, with a more rigorous training session planned to help him reach near full pace ahead of the final.
If all goes according to plan, Hazlewood is positioned to secure his place in the starting XI, potentially displacing Scott Boland. Since his return to the Test squad during the 2023 Ashes, Hazlewood has showcased outstanding performance, taking 57 wickets in 13 matches with an impressive average of 19.68. His recent form is a testament to his resilience and ability to adapt after setbacks.
Hazlewood's confidence stems from a variety of factors. He acknowledges that during the previous season, he faced interruptions leading into the IPL, which affected his preparation. However, his current physical condition is markedly improved, allowing him to train effectively. His consistent performance over the last two years provides him with a solid foundation of skill and form to draw upon, further boosting his confidence as he prepares for the final.
The Australian pacer is also focused on adjusting his bowling to suit the conditions expected in England. He recognizes that a tactical shift is essential for success in the upcoming match. Specifically, Hazlewood is concentrating on pitching the ball fuller to challenge the batsman more effectively. His analysis of IPL play has led him to understand the importance of making this adjustment. In his IPL matches, he often bowled lengths that may not have threatened the stumps adequately in Test conditions. Thus, he aims to adopt a fuller length that can generate the necessary zip to trouble batsmen in English cricket.
Moreover, Hazlewood has emphasized the importance of having a dependable allrounder within the team, a role that is currently filled by Cameron Green, Mitchell Marsh, and Beau Webster. Although Green's bowling capabilities will not be available until the Ashes later this year, and Webster’s overs may not be necessary in the final, Hazlewood firmly believes that the presence of allrounders significantly impacts the team's dynamics and performance.
A reliable allrounder allows specialized bowlers to share the workload, preventing fatigue and ensuring fresh bowlers are on hand when needed most. Hazlewood reminisced about times when the team lacked an allrounder, underscoring the difficulties faced when the bowling burden fell solely on select individuals. The ability for bowlers to rotate effectively—such as having Nathan Lyon from one end and the fast bowlers from the other—creates a more manageable and sustainable bowling plan.
Furthermore, the value of contributions from batsmen like Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne cannot be overstated. Their bowling, even if limited to a few overs, can provide critical breaks for the main bowlers. This strategy can keep the bowlers fresh, particularly as the match progresses into challenging phases such as taking a new ball or in the later stages of a series.
Hazlewood’s determination to come back stronger and more effective highlights his commitment to the game and his team's success. As he prepares for this important match, the blend of his past experiences and current insights equips him well for the challenges ahead. The upcoming final at Lord's promises to be a display of talent and strategy, and Hazlewood's participation could very well prove decisive in determining the outcome of this crucial encounter. With the right mix of physical readiness and tactical awareness, he aims to contribute significantly to Australia's quest for victory.