Josh Hazlewood reflects over age concerns (Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com)
The unmissable red ball thrills are just a few days away as the classic Ashes returns with yet another thrilling edition. The clash may still be days away, but the rivalry has already begun to simmer.
As the Australians released their lineup for the first Test, concerns about the age of the Australian bowlers created a buzz. But Josh Hazlewood shut down the concerns, insisting that age isn’t a setback; it's experience that can give them a potential edge in the series.
Hazlewood shuts down questions over ageing bowling attack
Over the years, the Ashes has been the pinnacle of Test cricket as the rivalry redefined the thrills of the longest format. Since the beginning of the rivalry, England and Australia have delivered some of the red-ball dramas. As this historic series returns, a new discussion has begun about the age of Australia’s experienced pace attack ahead of the big clash.
This year, Nathan Lyon will turn 38, Josh Hazlewood is already 34, Scott Boland is 36, and even captain Pat Cummins is 32, making him the youngest among the core bowlers. As the buzz is going high, Josh Hazlewood came up with a sharp reply. Speaking to the reporters, he said the age factor is nothing, as the experience will be crucial.
“I feel in the best shape I've been in a long time. I think the experience, not just through red ball cricket, through all the formats, you put all the pieces together,” he said.
The fire still burns bright
For a long time, the bowlers have been the core of Australia’s lethal bowling attack. Riding through the waves of highs and lows, they learned things together and turned into the legends of the game. Speaking about this, Hazlewood reflected on the understanding of each other’s game.
“You've been in so many situations now out in the middle that you've learned a lot over the years, not just as an individual but as a group, and we just bounce off each other out there and know each other's game so well, so we can help each other out,” he added.
As the game of cricket is the best gift of timing, even the legends of the game called it off at the perfect time. But Josh Hazlewood said that they still have plenty to offer.
“There'll come a time (when we move on), no doubt, but I don't think it's yet,” he added.
As Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the first Test match of the Ashes, Steve Smith has taken charge of the captaincy. As the first Test is set to go live on November 21, fans are already in for some unmissable red-ball dramas.
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