Josh Hazlewood is one of the leading fast bowlers in world cricket, known for his accuracy, consistency, and ability to maintain a high level of pressure on batsmen. Born on January 8, 1991, in Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia, Hazlewood’s rise to prominence in international cricket is a testament to his hard work, determination, and innate cricketing skills.
Hazlewood began playing cricket at an early age and quickly rose through the ranks of local and state cricket in Australia. He made his debut for New South Wales at just 18 years old, and his exceptional performance in domestic cricket soon earned him a spot in the Australian national team. Hazlewood’s early cricketing career showcased his disciplined and strategic approach, characteristics that would later define his career at the highest level.
His international debut came in 2010 when he played for Australia in a One Day International (ODI) against England. Hazlewood’s Test debut followed in 2014, in a match against India at the Gabba in Brisbane. He became an integral part of Australia’s fast-bowling attack in all formats, and over time, he has become known as one of the most consistent and reliable pacers in the world.
Josh Hazlewood’s Wife
Josh Hazlewood is married to his long-time partner, his wife, who has remained largely out of the public spotlight. While Hazlewood keeps much of his personal life private, he has occasionally shared glimpses of his relationship on social media. His wife, a supportive figure in his career, has been with him through the highs and lows of his cricketing journey. They maintain a low-key lifestyle outside of cricket, with Hazlewood focusing on his professional commitments and personal life away from the media’s gaze.
Josh Hazlewood Wickets
Josh Hazlewood’s wicket-taking ability has been one of the standout features of his career. With his ability to bowl long spells with great accuracy, he has accumulated a significant number of wickets across all formats. As of 2024, Hazlewood has taken more than 200 wickets in Test cricket, making him one of Australia’s most successful pacers in the longest format of the game.
His ODI and T20I wicket tally is also impressive, with Hazlewood taking over 150 wickets in ODIs and more than 30 wickets in T20Is. His skills with the ball have been crucial in many of Australia’s wins, especially in Test matches, where his disciplined line and length have been key to dismantling top batting orders.
Josh Hazlewood Fastest Ball
While Josh Hazlewood is not known for sheer pace like some of his contemporaries, he possesses a deceptive ability to extract movement and bounce, especially on Australian pitches. Hazlewood’s fastest recorded delivery is around 150 km/h (93 mph). However, it’s not just raw pace that makes him effective; it’s his ability to swing the ball both ways, his impeccable line and length, and his ability to bowl in the most crucial phases of the game that have earned him acclaim.
His career is characterized by consistent performances rather than occasional bursts of speed, making him an invaluable asset in Test cricket, where accuracy and control are paramount.
Josh Hazlewood Age
As of 2024, Josh Hazlewood is 33 years old. Despite being in his early 30s, Hazlewood’s age has not slowed his pace or effectiveness on the field. His body has remained resilient, and his skillset continues to evolve, making him one of the key members of Australia’s bowling attack. Hazlewood’s longevity in international cricket can be attributed to his disciplined approach to fitness and the fact that he has always been a bowler who relies more on precision and consistency rather than excessive speed.
Josh Hazlewood Height and Weight
Josh Hazlewood stands tall at 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm), which gives him a significant advantage as a fast bowler. His height allows him to generate extra bounce, making it difficult for batsmen to judge his deliveries. This physical attribute, combined with his excellent fitness, has helped Hazlewood develop into one of the most challenging bowlers in world cricket.
As for his weight, Hazlewood maintains a lean and athletic build, typically weighing around 90 kg (198 lbs). His fitness regime and focus on conditioning ensure that he can maintain a high level of performance across long and grueling cricket series.
Josh Hazlewood Bowling Speed
While Hazlewood is not recognized as a tearaway fast bowler in the same vein as some of his counterparts, he is known for maintaining a consistent and high-speed range, usually bowling in the 140 km/h (87 mph) range. His ability to sustain this speed over long spells is a testament to his endurance and fitness. Hazlewood’s bowling speed, combined with his ability to swing the ball and hit the right lengths, allows him to trouble even the best of batsmen.
He is known for his immaculate line and length, maintaining pressure on the opposition batsmen throughout the course of a spell. Hazlewood’s bowling is typically characterized by his discipline, keeping the ball on a tight line outside off stump, while also producing a great deal of movement.
Josh Hazlewood Career
Josh Hazlewood’s career has been marked by steady progress and a series of outstanding performances that have earned him the respect of both teammates and opponents. One of the most significant highlights of Hazlewood’s career came in 2015 when he played a crucial role in Australia’s victory in the Ashes series against England, where his spell in the second Test was particularly memorable. He was also an integral part of Australia’s successful campaigns in both the 2015 and 2019 ICC Cricket World Cups, although his most significant achievements came in Test cricket.
Hazlewood was a key figure in the 2017-2018 Ashes series, where his deadly accuracy was instrumental in Australia regaining the Ashes on home soil. He continued to be a pivotal part of Australia’s fast-bowling attack in various international tours, providing a reliable partner to other star bowlers like Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
In the IPL (Indian Premier League), Hazlewood played for various franchises, showcasing his skills in the T20 format. However, his primary focus has always been on Test cricket, where he has established himself as one of the premier fast bowlers in the world.
Throughout his career, Hazlewood has managed to maintain a high level of fitness and form, often playing an essential role in Australia’s success in both home and away conditions. His ability to adapt to different conditions, whether it’s the dry pitches of India or the bouncy wickets in Australia, has made him a versatile bowler and an invaluable asset to his team.
Conclusion
Josh Hazlewood’s cricketing career has been one of steady and impressive growth. From his early days in Tamworth to his current position as one of Australia’s most reliable fast bowlers, Hazlewood has proven that consistency and discipline can be just as effective as raw pace. His ability to generate swing and bounce, coupled with his impeccable control, has allowed him to take wickets in all formats of the game.
Hazlewood’s personal life, including his marriage to his wife, remains largely private, but his commitment to his career and family is evident. As he continues to perform at the highest level, Hazlewood’s place in Australian cricket history seems secure, and he is likely to remain a key figure in international cricket for years to come.
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