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Incomplete Spell, No Wickets For Josh Hazlewood In Rusty Comeback ODI Vs SA

Aakash Saini

Josh Hazlewood [Source: AFP Photos]Josh Hazlewood [Source: AFP Photos]

Josh Hazlewood made his ODI return for Australia after a gap of eight months through the ongoing series-opening first match against South Africa in Cairns. However, the seamer’s comeback lacked its usual edge, as his spell remained unfinished and wicketless.

Tasked to share the new ball with Ben Dwarshuis, Hazlewood bowled just eight overs in the day, conceding 36 runs in the process as his wicketless spell enabled South Africa to mount 296-8 in 50 overs.

Comeback Cut Short For Josh Hazelwood

Josh Hazlewood played the last of his 91 ODIs for Australia back in November 2024 last year during a home series against Pakistan. Since then, he has missed Australia’s ODI tour of Sri Lanka and also the entirety of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan and in the UAE.

Making his comeback to Australia’s ODI side after eight months in August 2025, Hazlewood failed to pick up a wicket with the new ball against South Africa, and eventually finished his quota without a breakthrough for his nation. The speedster conceded 36 runs in his eight overs as his spell was cut short by Australian captain and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh in the 39th over of the South African innings itself.

Head Shoulders Responsibility In Hazlewood’s Rusty Comeback

As South African batters pressed on, it was part-time spinner Travis Head who eventually shouldered the response in Josh Hazlewood’s off-colour comeback. Silently delivering his nine overs from one end, Head picked up the important wickets of Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs and dangerman Dewald Brevis to finish with sensational figures of 4-57 in the high-scoring innings.

Travis Head’s spell at Cairns marked only the second four-wicket haul of his ODI career.