Josh Hazlewood, one of Australia’s premier fast bowlers, has made a name for himself with his consistent and skillful performances on the international stage.

Known for his accuracy, discipline, and ability to move the ball both ways, Hazlewood has been an essential part of Australia’s bowling attack in all formats of the game.

His calm demeanor, coupled with his potent pace and relentless accuracy, has earned him widespread respect in the cricketing world.

Early Career and Rise to Prominence

Born on January 8, 1991, in Tamworth, New South Wales, Josh Hazlewood’s journey to the international cricket scene was a gradual one. He made his debut for New South Wales in domestic cricket at just 18 years old, quickly catching the eye with his ability to bowl with pace and precision. Hazlewood’s breakout year came in 2010 when he made his mark in domestic and international cricket, earning a place in the Australian national team.

His rise to prominence was not instantaneous but built on a foundation of hard work and determination. Hazlewood’s methodical approach to bowling has been praised by many, with his ability to bowl in tight areas, build pressure, and extract movement off the pitch making him a reliable option for Australia in all formats.

Bowling Style and Key Strengths

Josh Hazlewood is known for his classical fast bowling technique. Standing tall at 6 feet 5 inches, his height allows him to generate bounce and carry through to the wicket-keeper, making him a potent threat on various pitches.

His bowling is marked by a high-arm action and a steady pace, consistently hovering around 130-140 km/h. While he may not bowl at the blistering speeds of some of his counterparts, Hazlewood’s accuracy and ability to swing the ball both ways make him a constant menace for batsmen.

One of Hazlewood’s most notable strengths is his ability to bowl long, relentless spells without compromising on line and length. He thrives in conditions where the ball is likely to swing and has a knack for taking key wickets at crucial moments. Hazlewood’s work ethic and determination on the field are often reflected in his consistent wicket-taking ability.

International Career and Achievements

Josh Hazlewood’s career for Australia has been nothing short of remarkable. He made his One Day International (ODI) debut in 2010 and his Test debut in 2014, establishing himself as a key figure in the Australian squad. Hazlewood’s partnership with fellow pacemen Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins has formed one of the most feared bowling line-ups in world cricket.

Hazlewood’s impressive record includes numerous standout performances in both Test and ODI cricket. His ability to adapt to different conditions has seen him succeed in both home and away series. In the Ashes series, Hazlewood has played a pivotal role in Australia’s dominance over England, regularly taking key wickets and maintaining pressure with his relentless bowling.

Notably, Hazlewood’s contribution to Australia’s victory in the 2021-2022 Ashes series was crucial, as his accurate and disciplined bowling helped Australia retain the coveted Ashes. His performances in ICC tournaments like the World Cup and Champions Trophy have also cemented his place as one of the world’s best fast bowlers.

The Future of Josh Hazlewood

As Josh Hazlewood continues to evolve as a cricketer, his future looks incredibly promising. While injuries have occasionally disrupted his rhythm, his commitment to fitness and his mental toughness have kept him in the game at the highest level. His leadership and mentoring role within the Australian squad are increasingly evident as he continues to be an influential figure in shaping the future of Australian fast bowling.

Summary

So, whether you’ve been following Josh Hazlewood’s career for years or are just discovering his achievements, his story is one of dedication and skill. As the years pass, his legacy in Australian cricket will undoubtedly continue to inspire new generations of cricketers.

Keep an eye on Hazlewood's future performances, Lykkers—there’s still much more to come from this incredible bowler! Stay tuned and enjoy the game!

Every wicket: Hazlewood tops charts after bumper summer | Best of Summer 2023-24

Video by cricket.com.au