Josh Reginald Hazlewood is a prominent Australian cricketer known for his tall stature and remarkable accuracy as a fast bowler. Born on January 8, 1991, in Tamworth, New South Wales, Hazlewood had an early passion for cricket and idolized Australian legend Glenn McGrath.
Despite his evident talent and potential, Hazlewood’s journey to the international cricket stage was not without limitations. At the young age of 17, he became the youngest fast bowler to receive a call-up from New South Wales. Impressed by his skill and determination, he was awarded a rookie state contract for the 2008-2009 season while still completing his final year of high school.
Hazlewood’s breakthrough moment arrived in 2010 when he was initially chosen to play for Australia’s Test tour of India. However, a back stress injury forced him to withdraw, delaying his debut for four more years. Undeterred by setbacks, he honed his skills and developed his physical strength, enhancing his chances for a successful career.
Finally, in December 2014, Hazlewood donned the prestigious baggy green cap, making his long-awaited Test debut against India. The world witnessed an exceptional bowling performance as Hazlewood showcased his uncanny ability to maintain an impeccable line and length. His accuracy and consistency quickly established him as a vital asset in Australia’s Test squad.
Throughout his career, Hazlewood’s statistics exhibited a striking resemblance to his idol, Glenn McGrath. Both men made their Test debuts at the age of 23, and Hazlewood remarkably reached the milestone of 100 Test wickets in just 46 innings, closely following in the footsteps of McGrath.
Hazlewood’s journey wasn’t without hurdles, as he battled mental and physical fatigue during the 2015 Ashes series in England. Despite amassing 16 wickets in the series, he was dropped for the fifth and final Test due to exhaustion. However, he responded with vengeance during the 2017-2018 Ashes, claiming an impressive 21 wickets to secure Australia’s 4-0 victory.
Following the infamous Newlands ball-tampering scandal, Hazlewood was appointed as one of the joint vice-captains of the Australian Test team. However, a back issue ruled him out of the tour of the UAE and forced him to miss the World Cup squad in 2019. Despite these setbacks, he continued to contribute significantly to the team’s success, notably taking the wicket that retained the Ashes during the Old Trafford Test in the same year.
Josh Hazlewood’s impact on Australian cricket extends beyond his individual performances. His unwavering accuracy and relentless pursuit of excellence have made him an invaluable member of the national team. With a remarkable Test career that still holds immense promise, it is clear that Hazlewood will continue to leave an indelible mark on the world of cricket.
