Josh Hazlewood Aims for WTC Final Comeback After IPL Success

Hazlewood's Return to Australia's Test Squad
Josh Hazlewood is confident he is in peak form as he prepares to rejoin Australia's Test team for the ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's. After facing multiple injuries in recent years, the seasoned bowler is eager to complete his illustrious career with this significant achievement.
Post-IPL Preparations
Hazlewood arrived in the UK later than expected, alongside teammate Josh Inglis, following an impressive IPL season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he took 22 wickets and played a pivotal role in their championship victory. He has gradually resumed red-ball training, bowling approximately five overs at a moderate pace during an optional practice session in Beckenham on Saturday. A more rigorous training session is scheduled at Lord's, where he aims to increase his pace.
Competing for a Spot in the XI
If he performs well, Hazlewood is likely to secure a place in the starting lineup over Scott Boland. Since rejoining the Test squad during the 2023 Ashes, he has excelled, taking 57 wickets in 13 matches with an impressive average of 19.68.
"I was quite close last time (in 2023)," Hazlewood mentioned, as reported by a sports news outlet.
"I had a more disrupted IPL leading up to that, and faced some minor issues, so I wasn't at my best. However, I feel much better this time around," he added.
"My performance over the last two years has been solid, and I believe I'm bowling at my best. It's just about my body holding up, which it has been doing lately," he stated.
Training Adjustments
"Intensity is crucial for me to check off," he noted. "We're adapting our training to include back-to-back days, ensuring we have a significant day followed by another bowling session to prepare ourselves effectively."
Optimism Despite IPL Delays
Hazlewood is hopeful that the IPL's delayed conclusion will not hinder his preparation. He is confident about getting enough red-ball practice before the final.
"I managed to bowl some good overs just before the final in Ahmedabad, albeit in different weather conditions," he said.
"Every IPL game typically allows for about seven to eight overs, including warm-ups. I had several instances of bowling on consecutive days at high intensity during the tournament."
Tactical Adjustments for English Conditions
One key adjustment Hazlewood is focusing on is pitching the ball fuller in English conditions.
"In the IPL, I was bowling around seven to nine meters during the powerplay, which didn't threaten the stumps as much as needed in Test cricket, especially here in England," he explained.
"I plan to push my length a bit fuller while still maintaining speed through to the keeper."
The Importance of Allrounders
Hazlewood emphasized the significance of having a dependable allrounder in the team, a role currently filled by Cameron Green, Mitchell Marsh, and recently, Beau Webster. Although Green will not be available to bowl until later in the Ashes, and head coach Andrew McDonald suggested Webster's overs may not be necessary in the final, Hazlewood believes in the balance an allrounder provides.
"It's crucial," he stated. "I recall times when we lacked one, and it was exhausting. You find yourself continuously bowling, following the next bowler, and rotating ends. Having that extra bowler, even if it's just a couple of overs from Travis (Head) or Marnus (Labuschagne), can make a significant difference in maintaining freshness throughout the series."