'You See A Weak Link...': Aakash Chopra Identifies Weak Link In Australian Bowling For WC 2023
Josh Hazlewood's numbers in Asia paint a grim picture
In the lead-up to the World Cup 2023, former Indian opener, Aakash Chopra has raised eyebrows over Australia's bowling arsenal.
Chopra voiced concerns over Hazlewood's performance in Asia
While the Aussie squad boasts seamers like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, Chopra's recent video analysis has spotlighted Josh Hazlewood's underwhelming track record in Asian conditions.
Gearing up for the marquee event in India from October 5 to November 19, Australia has unveiled an 18-member preliminary squad with five frontline seamers Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood, Nathan Ellis, and Sean Abbott.
While analysing bowling attacks of teams for World Cup 2023 on his YouTube channel, Chopra stated that Starc's billiance as a bowler isn't limited to favourable conditions in Australia or England; his performance in Asian conditions is noteworthy as well. Across 17 matches, he has secured 37 wickets at an impressive average of 23.1.
He hailed the southpaw’s consistency in taking over two wickets per match is hailed as exceptional. The erstwhile cricketer added that Cummins also excels in Asian conditions, with his statistics improving there.
“Mitchell Starc is not just a bowler in Australia, England or favorable conditions. His numbers in Asia are equally good. 37 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 23.1 - not bad at all, picking up more than two wickets per match is a phenomenal thing. Pat Cummins - similar once again. His numbers in Asia actually become better," said Chopra.
The Indian veteran further pointed out a potential weak link in the Australian bowling line-up in the form of Hazlewood. Despite maintaining a commendable average of 25.6 and an economy rate of 4.57 overall, Chopra reckoned that the lanky pacer’s performance in Asia is a cause for concern. He even went on to describe Hazlewood’s stats in Asia as ‘terrible’.
"However, you see a weak link in the form of Josh Hazlewood. He has an average of 25.6 and an economy of 4.57 otherwise but only six wickets in eight matches in Asia. He has an average of 61. Josh Hazlewood's figures are terrible,” added the 45-year-old.
It is worth mentioning that in the sole ODI that Hazlewood has played in India, he recorded figures of 1/55 in 9.3 overs. Moreover, his performance on Asian soil in the seven ODIs he has played in Sri Lanka has been less impressive, securing a total of five wickets at a dismal average of 62.20.
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