Introduction
In the world of fast bowling, where speed and aggression often steal the spotlight, Josh Hazlewood stands as a testament to the power of precision and patience. Known for his consistency, meticulous line and length, and the ability to extract movement from even the flattest of pitches, Hazlewood has become one of the most reliable fast bowlers in world cricket. Over the years, he has earned a reputation for being the “silent assassin” of the Australian pace attack, focusing more on wicket-taking and containment than flashy deliveries.You know about theglobespot, openrendz and josh hazlewood wickets also Buzzfeed.
When it comes to Josh Hazlewood wickets, it’s not just about the numbers but the context in which they have been taken. Hazlewood’s ability to deliver under pressure, his skill in all formats of the game, and his tactical nous make him one of the finest exponents of fast bowling in the modern era. His partnership with fellow pacers like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc has made Australia’s bowling attack one of the most feared in world cricket. However, Hazlewood’s consistency and the sheer volume of crucial wickets he has taken often go unnoticed, overshadowed by his more flamboyant counterparts.
This article delves into the career of Josh Hazlewood, focusing on his wickets, career milestones, key performances, and the nuances that make him one of the most efficient and effective fast bowlers in the game today.
1. Early Career and Rise to Prominence
A. Josh Hazlewood’s Background
Born on January 8, 1991, in Tamworth, New South Wales, Josh Hazlewood’s journey to international cricket is one marked by perseverance and hard work. Coming from a cricket-loving family, Hazlewood honed his skills in his hometown and quickly moved up the ranks in Australian domestic cricket. He played for the New South Wales Blues and became one of the most sought-after fast bowlers in the Australian domestic circuit.
Hazlewood’s rise to prominence was not just based on raw pace but also his ability to bowl with accuracy, understanding the conditions well and making minimal errors in line and length. His performances in domestic cricket earned him a place in the Australia U-19 team, and soon after, he made his debut for the Australian national team in 2010 during a tour of India.
B. Early Successes and Development
Although Hazlewood’s international debut was relatively low-key, his rise in international cricket came at the right time, when Australia was transitioning from the golden era of Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath to a new generation of bowlers. Hazlewood, with his cool demeanor and precise bowling, emerged as a vital cog in the new-look Australian pace attack, alongside Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
It wasn’t long before Hazlewood became an essential part of Australia’s Test and ODI teams, offering both penetration and control. Hazlewood’s wickets in these early years were a testament to his talent, with a clear focus on hitting the right areas, moving the ball both ways, and applying pressure on the opposition batters.
2. Josh Hazlewood’s Wickets and Key Performances
A. Hazlewood in Test Cricket
Josh Hazlewood’s primary forte has always been Test cricket, where he has established himself as one of the premier fast bowlers in the world. His ability to consistently pick up wickets, especially in tough conditions, sets him apart. Hazlewood’s numbers in Test cricket are impressive, but the impact he has had in crucial moments speaks volumes about his class.
1. The Ashes Rivalry
One of Hazlewood’s most significant achievements has been his consistent performances in The Ashes. Hazlewood has played key roles in multiple Ashes series, often taking crucial wickets that have swung the match in Australia’s favor. His ability to bowl long spells with precision has made him a key figure in Australian cricket, especially in the 2017 Ashes series in Australia and the 2021-2022 Ashes in Australia.
During the 2017 Ashes series, Hazlewood took 16 wickets in 5 matches at an average of 28.81, including some match-winning spells that led to pivotal moments in the series. His performance in the 2021-2022 Ashes, where he picked up 13 wickets at an average of 18.53, was another testament to his consistency and control. Hazlewood’s wickets in Ashes cricket are often considered to be of immense value due to the high-pressure nature of the rivalry.
2. The 2019 World Cup: A Game-Changer in ODI Cricket
Hazlewood’s contributions have not been limited to Test cricket alone. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he has played a key role in Australia’s success over the years. His most notable performance came during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he was one of Australia’s standout bowlers. He took crucial wickets in key matches and was instrumental in helping Australia reach the semifinals.
Hazlewood’s match-winning performance against New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup, where he took three wickets for 52 runs, was a perfect display of his ability to maintain discipline and pressure on opposition batters. Hazlewood’s skill in the World Cup further cemented his status as one of Australia’s best-ever ODI bowlers.
B. Hazlewood in Limited-Overs Cricket
While Hazlewood has made his name primarily in Test cricket, his contributions to ODI and T20 cricket should not be overlooked. His discipline and intelligence make him an excellent bowler in the limited-overs format, where aggression and flair are often the focus. In T20 internationals, Hazlewood has delivered in key moments, holding his nerve in pressure situations.
1. T20 World Cup Glory
One of Hazlewood’s crowning achievements came in 2021 when he played a crucial role in Australia’s victory in the ICC T20 World Cup. His performance in the tournament was outstanding, as he consistently picked up key wickets while maintaining his economy rate under pressure. Hazlewood’s ability to bowl in the death overs and maintain control in high-stakes situations played a key role in Australia’s first-ever T20 World Cup victory.
His bowling figures in the 2021 T20 World Cup, where he took 11 wickets at an average of 14.90 and an economy rate of 7.17, were instrumental in Australia’s march to the title. Hazlewood’s ability to perform in different formats with such consistency is a testament to his skill and versatility.
3. Key Wickets Taken by Josh Hazlewood
A. Some of His Noteworthy Wickets
Josh Hazlewood’s career has been marked by crucial wickets in vital matches. Let’s take a closer look at some of his key wickets over the years:
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Vs. England – 2017 Ashes: In the 2017 Ashes, Hazlewood took the wicket of England’s Joe Root in the second Test at Birmingham. His delivery to Root was a classic example of Hazlewood’s skill in seam movement and control.
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Vs. India – 2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy: In the 2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Hazlewood was instrumental in taking key wickets, including the dismissal of India’s Rishabh Pant in the final Test, which helped Australia inch closer to victory in a thrilling series.
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Vs. South Africa – 2020: Hazlewood’s delivery to Faf du Plessis in a 2020 ODI against South Africa was a brilliant example of his ability to set up batters and deliver in pressure situations. Hazlewood’s spell in that match was a key factor in Australia’s victory.
4. Hazlewood’s Bowling Style and Strengths
A. Precision Over Pace
Unlike many modern-day fast bowlers who rely heavily on raw speed, Hazlewood’s strength lies in his precision. Standing at a height of 6’5”, Hazlewood generates significant bounce and movement off the pitch without needing to bowl at extreme speeds. His typical pace range hovers around the 135-140 km/h (84-87 mph) mark, making him relatively slower than some of his counterparts, but his accuracy and ability to move the ball in different conditions make him an incredibly difficult bowler to face.
Hazlewood is also known for his control over the “out-swinger” and “in-swinger”, allowing him to adapt to different pitches and conditions. His ability to consistently bowl in the right areas and set up batters has earned him the tag of being one of the most underrated bowlers in world cricket.
5. Conclusion: Josh Hazlewood’s Legacy
Josh Hazlewood’s career is a testament to the value of consistency and discipline in fast bowling. His ability to take wickets in all formats of the game, his calm demeanor, and his capacity to deliver under pressure have made him one of the finest bowlers of his generation. Whether it’s in the high-stakes Ashes series, the T20 World Cup, or a pressure-filled World Cup match, Hazlewood has been there, delivering crucial wickets for Australia.
As he continues to bowl for Australia, Hazlewood’s impact on Australian cricket will only grow, and his wicket-taking ability will remain one of his key strengths. Whether or not he is always in the limelight, Hazlewood’s reputation as a silent giant in the fast bowling world is well-deserved.
