Josh Hazlewood – Fast Bowler Profile & Latest Updates

If you follow Australian cricket, you’ve probably seen Josh Hazlewood’s tall, smooth run‑up and that deadly, pinpoint line. He’s one of the quiet powerhouses in the Aussie pace attack and his name pops up whenever a Test or ODI match needs a reliable wicket‑taker.

Born on 23 December 1991 in Tamworth, New South Wales, Hazlewood broke into the national side in 2010 at age 19. What set him apart early on was his ability to swing the ball both ways while keeping a metronomic pace around 135 km/h. Unlike flashier bowlers, he lets the seam do the work and trusts the bounce on Aussie pitches.

Career Highlights

In his Test career Hazlewood has taken over 250 wickets, with a best innings figure of 6/53. He was a crucial part of the 2015 World Cup‑winning squad, finishing as Australia’s third‑most expensive bowler with an economy of 5.09. In the 2019 Ashes, his spell at Lord’s (4/43) helped the Aussies keep England under pressure.

He’s also a regular in the limited‑overs format. In ODIs he’s claimed more than 100 wickets, averaging under 30, and his T20I numbers are impressive given the format’s high scoring rates. Hazlewood’s consistency earned him a spot in the IPL, where he turned out for the Delhi Capitals in 2022, delivering key breakthroughs in the middle overs.

Off the field, Hazlewood keeps a low‑key profile. He’s known for his disciplined training routine, which includes a lot of yoga and core work to stay injury‑free. His professionalism is often cited by teammates and coaches as a model for younger pacers.

Current Form & What to Watch

After missing a chunk of the 2023 season with a shoulder niggle, Hazlewood returned in early 2024 and immediately showed why he’s still a frontline bowler. In the recent Test series against England, he bowled 45 overs in the first match, picking up 5 wickets at an average of 22. His ability to swing the new ball in English conditions impressed even the home crowd.

When you watch Hazlewood, look for three things: the steady run‑up, the high‑seam release, and the subtle change in wrist position that makes the ball drift late. These tiny adjustments are why he can make a new ball feel alive on flat pitches.

Fans also keep an eye on his fitness. At 6’5”, he’s prone to back stress, so his workload is carefully managed by the Australian coaching staff. Expect him to bowl in short bursts rather than long spells in the upcoming Ashes, a strategy that maximises his impact while reducing injury risk.

If you’re into fantasy cricket, Hazlewood is a safe pick for points from both wickets and economy. He rarely concedes more than 3 runs per over in ODIs and often breaks partnerships in the crucial middle overs.

To sum up, Josh Hazlewood may not make the headlines with flash, but his steady accuracy, ability to swing both ways, and knack for delivering in pressure moments make him a must‑watch player for any cricket fan. Keep an eye on his upcoming series – he’s likely to add a few more memorable spells to his already impressive resume.