Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood showed no signs of frustration after his wicketless yet highly disciplined spell in the second ODI against India at the Adelaide Oval. Hazlewood returned figures of 0-29 in 10 overs, playing a crucial role in building pressure that eventually set up Australia’s two-wicket win.
Despite the lack of wickets, the experienced seamer insisted he wouldn’t change anything about his approach.
Relentless Accuracy, Little Reward
Hazlewood’s spell was defined by exceptional control and movement, aided by a damp surface that offered just enough for the seamers. Though he didn’t strike, his accuracy kept India’s batters under constant pressure.
“A little bit unlucky, maybe a touch short early. But it was a good toss to win. There was a little bit there all game, probably more so for us in those early stages. I thought we put the ball in the right areas and they actually toughed it out pretty well,” Hazlewood told cricket.com.au on Friday.
He added:
“I wouldn’t change anything from the way I bowled. Put the ball in good areas. It’s hard to push it any fuller in white-ball cricket – that was probably what was needed. It’s not often you get a wicket like that in white-ball cricket.”
Bigger Role Ahead with Cummins Injured
With regular skipper Pat Cummins expected to miss at least the first Ashes Test in Perth due to a back injury, Hazlewood is poised to step into a key leadership and strike-bowling role in the upcoming five-match series.
Hazlewood is likely to feature in the final ODI in Sydney on Saturday, subject to his recovery from the first two matches. He is also part of the T20I squad and will play the first two T20Is against India in Canberra and Melbourne next week.
Sheffield Shield Return Before Ashes
After the white-ball fixtures, Hazlewood is set to return to red-ball action in the fourth round of the Sheffield Shield, turning out for New South Wales against Victoria at the SCG from November 10.
With Cummins sidelined, Hazlewood’s fitness and form will be crucial as Australia prepare for the high-stakes Ashes opener.
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