Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is confident that he has returned to his best as he looks forward to the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s, starting Wednesday. He brushed aside any concerns regarding his fitness ahead of the match.
Hazlewood is competing with Scott Boland for the last spot in Australia’s pace attack, which also includes captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. He has not featured in a Test since the third match of last summer’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy, when a calf injury ended his series.
Following a successful campaign in IPL 2025, where he took 22 wickets and played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s first-ever title win, Hazlewood is ready to return to red-ball cricket.
“I was really close last time. I faced a few issues before and during the IPL. But I am in a better place now,” Hazlewood said.
Having taken 57 wickets at an average of 19.68 across 13 Tests since the 2023 Ashes, Hazlewood knows what is needed to be successful.
“I’m bowling well. It is about my body holding,” he added.
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