Josh Hazlewood said after his demolition job on India that he feels fit enough to play all five Tests against Australia in the Ashes later this year. Hazlewood’s comments come amid doubts from Australia’s selectors about whether their star-studded but ageing pace department can hold up to the rigours of playing five Test matches in the marquee series, particularly with one of them, captain Pat Cummins, in doubt to play the opening match in Perth.
“My body feels great right now, I am very confident of getting through all five (tests) without any dramas,” Hazlewood told Australian media after the first ODI against India on Sunday. The 34-year-old was sensational in Australia’s seven-wicket win in a rain-curtailed first ODI in Perth, registering figures of 2/20. Both his wickets were big ones, with the first of those being that of dangerous veteran opener Rohit Sharma, playing his first competitive game of cricket in over four months, in the fourth over of the match. He then dismissed India’s vice-captain Shreyas Iyer in the 14th over.
“It was a nice start,” he said. Hazlewood had also taken two wickets in his last match for Australia which was a T20I against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui. “(My) rhythm felt good off the back of New Zealand. Everything is feeling good at the moment, a nice way to start the build (to the Ashes).” A fit Hazlewood, who has 295 test wickets at an average of 24.21, is good news for the hosts, who have not lost a Test to England on home soil in 15 years.
Hazlewood found the green-tinged, lively Perth Stadium pitch against India to his liking on Sunday and said he hopes to see something similar when the English arrive for the Ashes opener. “Perth always offers some nice bounce and pace which has served us well in the past, especially with our bowlers who all offer something different,” he added.
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