Introduction:
Josh Hazlewood, an exceptional fast bowler from Australia, has established himself as a crucial member of the Australian cricket team. Born on January 8, 1991, in Tamworth, New South Wales, Hazlewood has risen through the ranks to become one of the finest pacers in international cricket. Known for his accuracy, control, and ability to generate bounce, Hazlewood has played a significant role in Australia’s success in all formats of the game. In this article, we delve into Hazlewood’s journey, his accomplishments, and the impact he has made on the sport.
Early Life and Cricketing Beginnings:
Hazlewood’s introduction to cricket came at a young age, inspired by his father Trevor Hazlewood, who played lower-grade cricket. Josh started playing junior cricket in Tamworth and quickly stood out for his raw talent and natural ability to bowl with pace and accuracy. His exceptional performances at the junior level caught the attention of the New South Wales (NSW) selectors, leading to his inclusion in the NSW Under-17 and Under-19 squads.
Domestic Success and International Call-Up:
Hazlewood’s performances in domestic cricket earned him a call-up to the NSW Blues team for the 2008-09 season of the Sheffield Shield, Australia’s premier domestic first-class competition. He impressed immediately, showcasing his ability to consistently hit the right areas and trouble batsmen with his movement off the pitch. His impressive performances in the Sheffield Shield caught the eyes of the national selectors, and he was called up to the Australian Test squad for the 2010-11 Ashes series.
International Debut and Rise to Prominence:
Hazlewood made his international debut in a One Day International (ODI) against England in 2010. However, it was in Test cricket that he truly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. He made his Test debut against India in December 2014 and immediately left an impact, taking 5 wickets in the match and showcasing his ability to extract bounce and generate movement even on docile pitches.
Hazlewood’s accuracy, control, and unwavering consistency earned him the reputation of being a metronomic bowler. He became known for hitting the right lengths consistently, making it challenging for batsmen to score freely against him. His ability to maintain pressure and build sustained spells of accurate fast bowling made him a vital asset for the Australian team.
Ashes Triumphs and Ashes Battles:
Hazlewood has been a key performer for Australia in the fiercely contested Ashes series against England. In the 2015 Ashes series in England, he played a pivotal role in Australia’s victory, finishing as the leading wicket-taker for his team. His control and disciplined line and length troubled the English batsmen throughout the series.
In the subsequent Ashes series on home soil in 2017-18, Hazlewood continued to torment the English batsmen with his accuracy and movement. He consistently posed challenges, constantly testing the batsmen’s technique and resolve. Hazlewood’s contributions were instrumental in Australia reclaiming the coveted urn.
Injury Challenges and Comebacks:
Hazlewood’s career has not been without its share of challenges. He has faced periods of injury, which have kept him on the sidelines at times. However, his determination and perseverance have allowed him to overcome setbacks and make strong comebacks.
After suffering a stress fracture in his back in 2015, Hazlewood made a successful return to international cricket and continued to excel. He has shown remarkable resilience and has worked hard to maintain his fitness and performance levels.
View this post on Instagram
Is Josh Hazlewood a good bowler?
Yes, Josh Hazlewood is widely regarded as an excellent bowler in international cricket. His performances and statistics speak for themselves. Hazlewood possesses several qualities that make him a formidable bowler.
First and foremost, Hazlewood is known for his exceptional accuracy. He has the ability to consistently hit the right lengths, making it difficult for batsmen to score freely against him. His precision allows him to build pressure on the opposition, forcing them into making mistakes.
In addition to accuracy, Hazlewood generates significant bounce and movement off the pitch. His tall frame and high-arm action enable him to extract extra bounce, which poses challenges to batsmen, particularly on pitches with extra bounce or uneven surfaces. His ability to seam and swing the ball adds another dimension to his bowling, making him a potent threat in various conditions.
Hazlewood’s control and disciplined line and length make him a metronomic bowler. He rarely strays from his game plan and consistently hits the right areas, forcing batsmen to make decisions under pressure. His ability to sustain accurate spells of bowling allows him to create opportunities for his team.
Net Worth
Josh Hazlewood net worth is around $3 million.He is a tall pace bowler known for his accuracy and has been compared to former Australian paceman Glenn McGrath. Hazlewood currently ranks no.2 in ODI, no.3 in T20I and no.12 in test in the ICC Men’s Player Rankings.