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Josh Hazlewood Opens Up On Harry Brook Challenge As Ashes Mind Games Keep On Going

Akshita Patel

Josh Hazlewood shares his take on England's batting power [Source: @abcsport, @ICC/X.com]Josh Hazlewood shares his take on England's batting power [Source: @abcsport, @ICC/X.com]

Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood believes England will arrive in Australia later this year with the best batting line-up he has ever faced in an Ashes series. The experienced fast bowler expects the upcoming contest to be one of the toughest challenges of his career. 

Ashes 2025 will begin in November this year with England touring Australia for a 5-game series. The Englishmen haven’t won the Ashes on Aussie soil for years. Hence, they’ll be yearning for a turnaround.

Josh Hazlewood Worried About England’s Batting Firepower

Speaking at an event, Josh Hazlewood was full of praise for England’s batting lineup. Hazlewood believes Harry Brook, the No. 2 ranked Test batter, who will be touring Australia for the first time, could adapt fast, as his fearless approach could work well in Australian conditions.

"England has obviously been quite flat wickets recently, the last few years, and it's been a really dry summer as well, so they are probably starting to get tired and spin now. I think [Brook] will adapt. He's a good player. He's at the top of the rankings for a reason, and he'll be a tough challenge," Hazelwood said.

He also warned about Joe Root, calling him a player in the form of his life. Root has never scored a Test century in Australia despite playing 14 matches, but Hazlewood feels this could be his breakthrough tour. 

"I think a fresh face like Harry Brook might find it easier. There's no baggage behind him and he can just come out and play with freedom as he does. Joe's [Root] probably in the form of his life as well. So they're an unbelievable batting line, to be honest. The top seven have done really well...so it's a challenge," he added.

He added that the overall English top seven is “unbelievable” and definitely the strongest batting unit England has sent to Australia during his career.

Hazlewood Out On Field For Ashes Preparation

Josh Hazlewood has been keeping himself busy with regular cricket to stay match-ready ahead of the Ashes.

Unlike teammates Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, who have not played recently to avoid injuries, Hazlewood featured in five of the six white-ball games against South Africa.

"It felt like over the last 12 months, the best way for me to go about it is just keep on ticking over, keep playing, not having too long off bowling. I find…getting back to that intensity and volume is quite tough for me. So if I can just keep staying up there, match intensity as long as I can, then that's sort of the best way for me to go about it."

The 34-year-old pacer is planning to play a Sheffield Shield match before the Ashes begin in November, as he feels long spells in red-ball cricket are vital for preparation. He pointed out that it is difficult to replicate that workload in training alone.