Josh Hazlewood declares himself fit ahead of the Ashes 2023, Targets to play at least 3 matches

Australia fast bowler, Josh Hazlewood has played only 6 tests in the last 30 months.

Australia suffered a massive setback before the World Test Championship Final against India at The Oval. Pacer Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the WTC Final against India due to a side strain. Just two days before the Ashes, Josh Hazlewood has declared himself fit for the first Ashes Test and is eyeing at least three Ashes tests in the upcoming two months.

Recently, Josh Hazlewood struggled a lot due to injury concerns. Hazlewood missed out on the Indian Premier League as well. He has expressed his disappointment for not being able to play in the WTC Final against India. 

Josh Hazlewood sets target for himself

Showing his disappointment over injury concerns, Hazlewood said, “If we go back a few years, I would have said (wanted to play) all six (tests including WTC Final and 5 Ashes tests). But I guess it’s a little bit different now, based on the last two years. Three would be a nice pass and four is probably a tick. Any more than that is great, any less then I am probably a little disappointed again”. Since the new year test against South Africa, Hazlewood has played only 3 games in competitive cricket, that too in the IPL 2023 for Royal Challengers Bangalore. 

32-year-old Right-arm pacer Josh Hazlewood has played only 6 tests in the last 30 months and has struggled to gain full match fitness. Australia are banking on their pace bowling attack to tackle ‘BazBall’ tactics. England have made a set pattern of playing Test cricket. They will also be tested against the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Josh Hazlewood. For a challenging outing, Australia will need their pace attack to be fully fit for the all upcoming five Ashes tests.