Josh Hazlewood Finally Gets Marks His Spot Again With Vintage Performance

Only one Test in the last Ashes, no Tests in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and one this Summer. With just two Tests in the last year, Josh Hazlewood had a very frustrating period. His last Test in Sydney came two years ago. Now, in his second Test of the summer, Josh Hazlewood produced a vintage spell to mark his return.

With Scott Boland coming up with out of the World performances, Josh Hazlewood had his work cut out. He had to compete with a bowler who had a Test average of 12.21. Josh Hazlewood though with his experience found a way to get through. With 217 Test Wickets his worth is known, and with Australia going with only two pacers he found a way to get into the side.

Despite his absence the pecking order remained the same. Josh Hazlewood came in and provided a vintage spell. Known for his nagging accuracy and ability to generate bounce, Hazlewood kept plugging the ball in right areas. He started his spell looking for Dean Elgar’s edge and was quick to find it as Dean Elgar gave a catch to Steve Smith in the slips. Dean Elgar survived with the catch going very low and being termed as a grassed one.

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Hazlewood though continued until a surprise bouncer had Dean Elgar. He continued his work as he got the others edged, bowled and LBW, while also picking up a wicket using reverse swing in the second innings. His return with five wickets in the Test will be very pleasing considering his absence in the format.

The last year has been a very frustrating one for him. He only played in the first Ashes Test before a side strain left him out for the remaining four Tests. He then missed the Pakistan and Sri Lanka Tests with conditions leaving him out of favor. He started the summer decently before another injury saw him miss the 2nd Test against West Indies.

Over the same period though, Josh Hazlewood was a key player, taking part in most of the white-ball games occurring through the period. He grew into their most important white-ball bowler, but will want to make sure he stays a part of the three man pace attack that has ruled over the last five years.

With Australia heading to India though it will be interesting to see how many games Hazlewood gets. Starc is so and so for the first Test, but if he recovers, and if Australia stick with only two pacers Hazlewood will have to go back to the bench. He does have the numbers in India though, taking a six for on his last visit. However, with Starc and Cummins likely to take preferences it will be interesting to see if he gets decent game time in India.