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Thoughts on Josh Hazlewood?

Pat Cummins clarifies controversy around Australia manipulating result vs Scotland

Australian pacer Pat Cummins clarified the controversy around the team manipulating the result in the Scotland match. He affirmed that the Australian team's mindset and their approach won't change despite England's predicament. He also said that Josh Hazelwood's 'joke' on the easy-going approach against the Scotland team was taken out of context. Mitchell Marsh's Australian team had come under scanner with questions being raised on 'spirit of cricket'after Hazelwood's remarks. Australia will face Scotland in the Group B match on June 16, Sunday at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia.

Cummins suggested that Australia will look to put a tough fight against Scotland, who have a chance to qualify for the Super 8 stage.

"When you go out and play, you're trying your best every time. And if you're not, it's probably against the spirit of cricket," the Test and ODI captain, who handed the reins to Marsh for the T20 side, told the media.

"I haven't really thought too deeply because it's never really popped up.

"I was speaking to Joshy who had a bit of a joke about it the other day and it got taken a bit out of context. We'll go out there and try to play Scotland who have had a really good tournament so far so it's going to be tough.

What Hazelwood said?

During the post-match press conference after the game against Namibia, Hazelwood was asked if they would go easy against Scotland. The pacer had said that the team had not had any discussions about it yet, but they would not rule out the possibility of this happening, knowing England could pose a major threat in the later stage of the tournament.

Cummins pointed out that Australia would never intend to under-perform in order to knock England out of the context.
"It's something you discuss as one of the quirks of the setup, but it does it change the way we play? Absolutely not."

Will Australia manipulate result?

"I don't think you can (go into a game not trying to win) - ever. You're playing an international game in the middle of a World Cup.

"You still want to try and have a good game and carry that on into the Super Eights. I've never stepped on to the field without the mindset of being aggressive, like the guys have so far."

However, England's 8-wicket win over Oman has shot up their net-run-rate above Scotland. Hence, Scotland would need to beat Australia in order to edge past England in the Super 8 stage. Meanwhile, captain Marsh could face a ban if Australia manipulate Scotland's result to knock England out.

INDIA TODAY
 
Australia should just send their tailenders to open the batting and tuk tuk. And open the bowling with Travis Head and David Warner.

They can always claim that they were trying out different combinations before the Super 8 since they've qualified.
 
I think it's embarrassing how seriously England took what was an obvious joke.

Hopefully Scotland win but even if we don't the players will have tried their best and we can proud of how they've performed.
 

Getting England out is in Australia's best interest - Hazlewood​


Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has admitted that it is in Australia's "best interest" for England to be eliminated in the T20 World Cup group stage.

Australia qualified for the Super 8s with a comprehensive nine-wicket win over Namibia, leaving England and Scotland to battle it out for second place.

Jos Buttler's side need to beat Oman and Namibia to have any chance of progressing but, even if they do, net run-rate could determine who goes through.

That would give Australia, who face Scotland on Sunday, a potentially key role in determining who else will advance from Group B.

A Scotland win would send them through and eliminate England but, with Richie Berrington's team currently boasting a vastly superior net run-rate to England, even a narrow Australia victory could be enough to knock out the defending champions.

Asked if Australia would try to make things as difficult as possible for England, Hazlewood said: "Yeah, I think so.

"In this tournament you potentially come up against England at some stage again and they're probably one of the top few teams on their day.

"We've had some real struggles against them in T20 cricket so if we can get them out of the tournament that's in our best interest, as well as probably everyone else's."

Australia have won all three of their matches at the tournament, including a 36-run win over England, and took just 34 balls to knock off the runs after bowling Namibia out for 72 on Tuesday.

However, they might not be in so much of a rush against Scotland if there is the opportunity to send England home early.

"Not too sure really, whether you get close and just knock it around and drag it out," Hazlewood said of how Australia might try to thwart England.

"There's a few options there, but to take confidence from winning and winning well, I think that's almost more important than potentially trying to knock someone else out.

"They've still got a lot to do on their behalf as well, so I think it'll become clearer the closer we get to that sort of stuff."

With qualification secured and a busier schedule come the Super 8s, Australia may also opt to rest players against Scotland.

"It's up to the coaches, the captain and the selectors," added Hazlewood.

"The guys have been playing IPL [Indian Premier League], so potentially one or two of those might have a rest but it hasn't been a gruelling schedule.

"A game every three or four days isn't too tough in T20 cricket.

"We've still got one game left but I guess we can ease off a little bit over the next few days and freshen up when the Super 8s is quite taxing."

England fast bowler Mark Wood hopes that Mitchell Marsh's Australia will play the 'Australian way' in their final group-stage match in the T20 World Cup 2024 against Scotland, he said at the pre-match press conference against Namibia:

“I think that's part of being England and Australia, isn't it? I think actually I saw it more as a respect thing, if I'm honest, that he was saying that England have done well against Australia in the recent past and thinks we're a big threat and a big team so I have no problem with it.”

“I'm absolutely confident they'll play the game the hardest, that's the Australian way, that they'll play hard but fair and try and get the win.”
 

Getting England out is in Australia's best interest - Hazlewood​


Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has admitted that it is in Australia's "best interest" for England to be eliminated in the T20 World Cup group stage.

Australia qualified for the Super 8s with a comprehensive nine-wicket win over Namibia, leaving England and Scotland to battle it out for second place.

Jos Buttler's side need to beat Oman and Namibia to have any chance of progressing but, even if they do, net run-rate could determine who goes through.

That would give Australia, who face Scotland on Sunday, a potentially key role in determining who else will advance from Group B.

A Scotland win would send them through and eliminate England but, with Richie Berrington's team currently boasting a vastly superior net run-rate to England, even a narrow Australia victory could be enough to knock out the defending champions.

Asked if Australia would try to make things as difficult as possible for England, Hazlewood said: "Yeah, I think so.

"In this tournament you potentially come up against England at some stage again and they're probably one of the top few teams on their day.

"We've had some real struggles against them in T20 cricket so if we can get them out of the tournament that's in our best interest, as well as probably everyone else's."

Australia have won all three of their matches at the tournament, including a 36-run win over England, and took just 34 balls to knock off the runs after bowling Namibia out for 72 on Tuesday.

However, they might not be in so much of a rush against Scotland if there is the opportunity to send England home early.

"Not too sure really, whether you get close and just knock it around and drag it out," Hazlewood said of how Australia might try to thwart England.

"There's a few options there, but to take confidence from winning and winning well, I think that's almost more important than potentially trying to knock someone else out.

"They've still got a lot to do on their behalf as well, so I think it'll become clearer the closer we get to that sort of stuff."

With qualification secured and a busier schedule come the Super 8s, Australia may also opt to rest players against Scotland.

"It's up to the coaches, the captain and the selectors," added Hazlewood.

"The guys have been playing IPL [Indian Premier League], so potentially one or two of those might have a rest but it hasn't been a gruelling schedule.

"A game every three or four days isn't too tough in T20 cricket.

"We've still got one game left but I guess we can ease off a little bit over the next few days and freshen up when the Super 8s is quite taxing."


After Australia ended their Group B matches in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup with a five-wicket win over Scotland, fast-bowling spearhead Mitchell Starc insisted that Josh Hazlewood saying about eliminating England was in their best interest was a throwaway line which the media blew out of proportion, Mitchell Starc said in the post-match press conference:

"England now are on the other side of the draw, so it really doesn't make that much difference for the next three games. So yeah, I think that was blown right out of proportion by you guys."

"I think there's a big question to be asked about the pre-seeding, I'm not sure I'm a fan of that."
 
Incredible bowler, but he has the personality & charisma of a cardboard. His statement regarding England was a bit embarrassing especially because he is not the type of character that can pull off such remarks & look good.

Hazelwood is not one of these players who can sledge effectively or get under the skin of the opposition. He needs to stick to what he does best, bowl like a robot and get the job done with the ball.

Leave the talking to his teammates.
 
On a day of utter beating, Hazlewood shone the brightest with magnificent figures of 1/14 in 4 overs against India
 

Hazlewood set to ‘miss remainder of Test series’ in huge injury blow as pace gamble backfires​


In a huge blow for Australia Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out for the remainder of the India Test series after scans on the calf he injured in the warm-up during day four.

Adam Gilchrist revealed that Hazelwood will miss the rest of the series including The Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and the New Year Test in Sydney.

“We have a quick update on Josh Hazlewood and the calf injury he sustained in the warm-up this morning,” Gilchrist said on Fox Cricket.

He only bowled one over during the game and he is likely to miss the remainder of the Test series.

“That’s a real blow for Hazlewood, who missed out on the Adelaide match. It is a right calf injury and a replacement will be made in due course.

“It’s frustration for Hazlewood, but Boland will be in at the MCG.”

The decision to bring back Hazlewood for Boland has been called into question after the returning quick struggled with a calf injury on day four at The Gabba.

Hazlewood, who missed the second Test in Adelaide with a side strain, bowled to open day three at the Gabba before succumbing to an unnamed injury and being forced off the field.

It was later confirmed as a calf complaint.

“He reported a calf awareness in this morning’s warm-up and he will be taken for scans to assess the injury,” Isa Guha said on Fox Cricket.

“Very frustrating for Josh Hazlewood.”

Boland starred with the ball at the Adelaide Oval after coming in for the injured Hazlewood for the second Test with five wickets for the match.

England legend Michael Vaughan noted Hazlewood’s struggles on day four at The Gabba, moments before he was forced from the field.

“We have all seen enough bowlers over the years to know that Hazlewood is not right,” Vaughan said on Fox Cricket’s coverage.

“His pace is down. He has clearly got some kind of issue.”

Boland was moments later captured in deep conversation with Australian coach Andrew McDonald in the Australian dugout at The Gabba.

"I’m just not quite sure what is going to happen here with Josh Hazlewood,” Former Aussie Test wicketkeeper Brad Haddin said.

“Andrew McDonald is saying there to Scott Boland to do some bowling for Melbourne.”

Vaughan, meanwhile, had no doubt Boland will play in the Boxing Day Test.

“Without any question I think we will be seeing Scott Boland at the MCG,” Vaughan said.

“I think Hazlewood I’m not too sure he will bowl much more. Mitchell Marsh can come on and bowl a few.

“He looks ginger like he is really struggling. He’s walking back gingerly. He is just not right.”

Fellow commentator Isa Guha questioned whether Hazlewood pushed to play in Brisbane, knowing he would not be playing in Melbourne anyway.

“They leave no stone unturned when it comes to the bowlers and making sure that they are fit and ready to go and can get through a full Test match,” Guha said.

“Whether Josh Hazlewood felt he wanted to try and get through this Test it was a bit of a risk to take.

"But knowing they had Scott Boland as a reinforcement perhaps for the last two Test matches and given the importance of this one and getting ahead, but yeah not ideal.”

Kerry O’Keeffe believes Australia always had a horses for courses approach for their fast bowlers this series, given Hazlewood and Starc’s historical struggles in Melbourne and Sydney and Boland’s prowess at those same venues.

“Trying to look at the Australian strategy, I think they had in mind that Hazlewood should play this and miss Melbourne,” O’Keeffe said.

“Melbourne is by a long way his worst pitch in Australia and then Starc miss Sydney, which is a long way his worst pitch in Australia.

“So I think they factored in that Australia was going to play this one and that Boland, who loves the MCG would come in for Melbourne.

“And that may well be the case now anyway. The Boland numbers are irresistible.

“But questions will be asked, was he (Hazlewood) fit going into this game?”

Hazlewood spoke to members of the travelling press pack in the afterglow of the Adelaide triumph, about 90 minutes after Australia had squared the series.

The fast bowler was still to prove his fitness for the Brisbane Test but was relaxed and confident in his chances of being able to return.

He had bowled at ¾ pace in the nets the day prior to the Adelaide Test and then again on the Saturday, and was planning a double-session in the nets at Adelaide Oval on Monday.

“I think if this was the last Test of the summer, I could have potentially run the gauntlet and played (but) I think I would have been in a pretty bad state by the end of the game, even though it was only a short game. It just wasn’t quite right,” Hazlewood said.

“It’s not necessarily your typical side strain, which I’ve had a couple in my career, (where) you’re running in to bowl and you just grab your hat and you’re off and you’re out for six weeks. It’s not that sort of side strain. It’s from a sort of repetitive use.

"It’s caused me a lot of trouble over the last few years, but (I had a) perfect prep this year, and played the Shield game and ticked all that off. I was very happy (with) where I was and it still happened. So I was pretty annoyed there for a few days.

“There were plenty of meetings and stuff from CA’s point of view, physios, doctors, all that stuff. (We have) come up with a few options (to) see if we can stop it from happening again.”

Given Hazlewood’s history of side strains, the Australians had been extremely cautious with him when the issue flared on the third day in Perth.

The New South Welshman had been by far the pick of the bowlers in the opening innings but with India seizing control, a decision was made to restrict his overs in the second innings.

As Pat Cummins said, had he continued on, it could have turned what they hoped would be a one week issue into a problem that could threaten to rule him out for the series.

Hazlewood, who snuck away with Mitchell Starc for a training session at Allan Border Oval on the eve of the Gabba Test, stressed he would only play if he felt fit enough to get through.

He was mindful Scott Boland, who bowled superbly in Adelaide, would be available if required. As it stands, the Victorian’s chances of bowling on Boxing Day have soared.

“I’ve ticked every box so far this week. The side’s obviously been a troublesome area for me, in the past, so if I can lean on the side of caution, I guess a little bit, (I’ll do that),” Hazlewood said.

“But it’s very minor compared to the last few I’ve had. Obviously (we have) got Scotty there, who does a fantastic job every time he plays. So I guess that sort of makes the decision a little easier. Sometimes you’ve sort of got to be pretty much 100 per cent to play. And if not, Scott is there (and ready) to go.”

Fox Sports
 
A great bowler for aus in tests.
Having almost 300 wkts with sub 25 avg is by no means an easy task
 
Josh Hazlewood grabbed 5 for 43 and tore through the West Indies lineup to help Australia win the first Test of the series.
 
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