Discover top 5 bowling spells by Josh Hazlewood in Test cricket, showcasing his best performances and match-winning efforts. Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is often considered one of the most underrated pacers of this generation. Famous for his accurate line and length, Hazlewood is a key member of Australia’s renowned fast bowling trio, alongside Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
Hazlewood made his Test debut in 2014 against India in Brisbane. Initially known for his ability to swing the ball, the tall pacer has developed other skills over time, such as reverse swing and sharp bouncers.
The New South Wales quick has produced several match-winning performances for Australia in Test cricket. While he may not always get as much attention as Starc and Cummins, his impact is just as significant.
In this article, we’ll explore Josh Hazlewood’s top five bowling performances in Test matches.
5. 5/30 vs England, 2019, Leeds
Hazlewood delivered one of his best performances in Test cricket during the Ashes 2019 match at Leeds. He took 5 wickets for just 30 runs, helping Australia dismiss England for only 67 runs in the first innings.
However, the match took an exciting twist on the fourth day when Ben Stokes played an incredible unbeaten century, guiding England to a thrilling one-wicket win.
4. 5/8 vs India, 2020, Adelaide
In December 2020, Josh Hazlewood delivered a brilliant performance against India at the Adelaide Oval.
India scored 244 runs in their first innings, while Australia managed only 191, falling 53 runs behind. Hazlewood then turned the game around with an incredible bowling spell, taking 5 wickets for just 8 runs. He dismissed key players like Ajinkya Rahane and Mayank Agarwal.
His outstanding effort helped Australia bowl India out for just 36 runs. The home team then chased down the target and won the match by eight wickets.
3. 6/89 vs South Africa, 2016, Hobart
During South Africa’s 2016 tour of Australia, Josh Hazlewood showed his top bowling skills in the Hobart Test. After Australia managed only 85 runs in their first innings, Hazlewood led the bowling attack as they bowled out South Africa for 326 runs.
Hazlewood was the standout performer, taking 6 wickets for 89 runs, including key dismissals of Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis. Despite his efforts, another poor batting performance in Australia’s second innings resulted in a heavy defeat by an innings and 80 runs.
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2. 6/70 vs New Zealand, 2015, Adelaide
Hazlewood’s second-best bowling figures in a Test match are 6/70, achieved against New Zealand in Adelaide in 2015 during the first-ever day-night Test.
After taking three wickets in New Zealand’s first innings, Hazlewood dominated their second innings with a six-wicket haul, limiting the visitors to just 202 runs.
His brilliant spell included key dismissals of Tom Latham and Ross Taylor. Australia won the match by three wickets, and Hazlewood was awarded Player of the Match for taking a total of nine wickets in the game.
1. 6/67 vs India, 2017, Bengaluru
Josh Hazlewood’s best bowling in a Test match innings is 6/67, achieved against India in Bengaluru in 2017.
His six wickets played a key role in limiting India to 274 runs in their second innings. This performance was even more impressive because it happened on a pitch that favored spinners at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
However, despite Hazlewood’s outstanding effort, Australia lost the match by 75 runs on the fourth day.
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