Josh Hazlewood

If there’s one bowler in the modern era who resembles Glenn McGrath in terms of accurate line and length, then that guy has to be Josh Hazlewood. 

The right-arm fast bowler made his first class debut at the age of 17, making him the youngest player to play for New South Wales.

Such was his talent, that two years after making his domestic debut, Hazlewood received a maiden ODI call-up to face England. However, the debut didn’t go according to the plan and the pacer had to wait for another 3 years to play an ODI game. 

The selectors were aware of the talent he possesses and after a string of solid performances in the domestic circuit, Hazlewood was given the baggy green cap as he made his Test debut against India at the Gabba in 2014.

He had a dream debut, picking up a fifer in his maiden innings and rattled the Indian top order as the Aussies won the match comfortably. It was a start of something special from the Australian point of view. Hazlewood formed a lethal bowling pair with Mitchell Starc, and the duo have created havoc in the minds of the opposition.

Hazlewood was a part of the Australian squad for the 2015 World Cup. He was impressive in the World Cup as the Aussies clinched their fifth world title. In the quarter-final against Pakistan, he picked up 4 wickets and earned the Player of the Match award for his scintillating bowling display.

In the same year, the first ever Day/Night Test match took place between Australia and New Zealand. Hazlewood became the first player to grab a fifer in a D/N Test, and in the process, took his 50th career wicket in just his 12th Test match.

In a group stage match of the Champions Trophy 2017, the Aussie grabbed his career best figures of 6 for 52 against the Kiwis. 

Hazlewood was named in the Australian squad for the Ashes 2019. The series ended 2-2 and the pacer was the star with the ball for the Australians, picking up 20 wickets at an average of 21.85.

Hazlewood continued his good Test form in the home series against India in 2020. He registered his 200th wicket in Test matches and in the process became Australia’s seventh highest wicket-taker in Test cricket.

Known more for his Test bowling prowess, he was picked up by the CSK to bolster their inexperienced fast bowling line up ahead of the 2020 IPL season. He played 3 matches and took just a solitary wicket to end the tournament on a low. 

He was retained by CSK ahead of the 2021 season.

A bowler who has superb control over line and length, Hazlewood has formed a perfect trio alongside Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins in Test cricket. Although not yet in the league of Glenn McGrath, Hazlewood has all the tools to become Australia’s greatest ever fast bowler, if he remains fit.

(As of March 21)