Josh Hazlewood Boosts Australia’s WTC Final Hopes
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is determined to prove his potential and secure a spot in the World Test Championship final against India. Despite missing a significant portion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to stiffness concerns, Hazlewood believes that with intense training sessions over the next week, he can regain his form and contribute to Australia’s success in the crucial match.
Hazlewood’s withdrawal from the IPL was a precautionary measure, as medical tests confirmed no injury to his side. Throughout the IPL, Hazlewood represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore but was limited to bowling just nine overs, taking three wickets, before returning home ahead of his journey to the UK. In the past two years, the pacer has experienced two side strains, causing him to miss important Test matches, including the Ashes series against England and matches against the West Indies and South Africa.
Despite these setbacks, Hazlewood displayed his resilience by engaging in bowling sessions in Sydney before joining the Australian team in England. The squad’s first official training session took place in Formby, West Lancashire, where Hazlewood gradually increased his intensity, showcasing his dedication to getting back to peak performance. The pacer emphasized that he is getting closer to his full potential but acknowledges the need to bowl extensively over the next week to ensure his readiness for the WTC final, which is scheduled to commence on June 7th at the Oval in London.
Speaking about his fitness, Hazlewood expressed confidence, stating, “My fitness is pretty good. It is just a matter of ticking off every session from here until that date, basically.” He also attributed his stiffness concerns during the IPL to the demands of T20 cricket, where bowlers frequently alternate between various types of deliveries in a single over. However, he reassured fans that any discomfort he experienced had subsided quickly, and his recent bowling sessions have been promising, allowing him to steadily build up his form.
Hazlewood’s recent injury history has limited his appearances for Australia, with the fast bowler featuring in only four of the team’s last 19 Test matches. Additionally, he has not participated in consecutive first-class games since early 2021. To prove his readiness for the WTC final, Hazlewood recognizes the importance of enduring two rigorous bowling sessions on Thursday and Saturday, which will serve as crucial evaluations of his fitness and form.
With the Indian Premier League concluding recently, cricket fans around the world eagerly anticipate the clash between India and Australia in the high-stakes World Test Championship final. This enthralling encounter is set to commence on June 7th, providing an opportunity for both teams to showcase their skills and compete for the prestigious title.
As the countdown to the WTC final begins, all eyes will be on Josh Hazlewood as he strives to overcome his recent injury concerns and prove his worth as a vital component of the Australian bowling attack. The tireless training sessions that lie ahead for Hazlewood will undoubtedly test his determination and resilience, but if he can successfully navigate through them, cricket fans can expect to witness a formidable performance from the talented pacer in the crucial World Test Championship final.
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