As the cricketing world turns its eyes to the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final on June 11, Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood exudes confidence about his return to the red-ball arena. Facing a formidable South Africa side, Hazlewood is keen to make his mark after a frustrating injury layoff, and his past record at the ‘Home of Cricket’ only fuels his optimism.
Hazlewood, a seasoned campaigner with 52 wickets in 12 Tests in England at an impressive average of 26.07, has a special affinity for Lord’s. His standout performance in the recent Ashes, where he claimed five wickets at this very venue, underlines his ability to dominate on English soil. ‘Any time I bowl in England, I’m reasonably confident. I’ve had some good tours here over the last decade, and Lord’s, in particular, has been kind to me. I haven’t lost a red-ball match here as a player, and we’ve had a couple of memorable wins,’ Hazlewood shared in an exclusive interview with the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Saturday.
The 34-year-old pacer has been out of Test action since December 2024, when a calf strain sidelined him during Australia’s clash against India at The Gabba. In his absence, Scott Boland seized the opportunity, delivering a sensational 10-wicket haul against India in Sydney, intensifying the competition for the third seamer’s spot in the Australian lineup for the WTC Final. Hazlewood, however, remains unfazed. ‘Competition is always healthy. It pushes you to be at your best, and I’m working hard to tick all the boxes before the big game,’ he remarked.
Post-flight fatigue notwithstanding, Hazlewood is wasting no time in ramping up his preparations. ‘Today was about getting moving after the long flight. I’ll bowl a few more overs tomorrow and over the next few days to ensure I’m in peak condition,’ he explained. This meticulous approach is a testament to his commitment to representing Australia at the highest level, especially in a match as significant as the WTC Final.
Adding to his readiness, Hazlewood’s stint in the IPL 2025 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) proved invaluable. Despite a minor shoulder niggle, he played a pivotal role in RCB’s title-winning campaign, maintaining his bowling rhythm under challenging conditions. ‘I got some good overs under my belt before the IPL Final in Ahmedabad. The weather was tough, but it was great preparation. Plus, every IPL game gave me 7-8 overs, often with multiple warm-ups, so I’ve managed to stay sharp,’ he noted. This adaptability could be a game-changer against a South African batting lineup known for its resilience.
As Australia’s pace battery, including the likes of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, gears up for this ultimate Test, the team appears in fine fettle. ‘Everyone looks in good shape. We’ve been playing or training in different parts of the world over the last few months, but it’s great to come together, catch up, and align our goals for this massive encounter,’ Hazlewood added. With South Africa boasting a lethal attack led by Kagiso Rabada and a batting unit anchored by Dean Elgar, the WTC Final promises to be a thrilling battle of titans.
In conclusion, Josh Hazlewood’s return is not just a boost for Australia but a storyline to watch in this highly anticipated clash. With his proven track record at Lord’s, hunger to reclaim his spot, and meticulous preparation, Hazlewood could well be the key to unlocking South Africa’s defenses. As the countdown to June 11 begins, cricket fans worldwide await a spectacle that could define legacies at the hallowed turf of Lord’s.