Josh Hazlewood says he’s stronger, wiser and better-prepared but still thinks he’s likely to miss out on a Test debut next week.
Two years after serving as Test 12th man, 23-year-old paceman Hazlewood is back in contention for a first Test cap, vying with Peter Siddle for a spot after being named in the squad of 12 for the first Test against India next week.
It’s four years since he made his Australian debut in a one-day international in 2010 but his progress has been stalled by a run of injuries.
His six-wicket haul in last season’s Sheffield Shield final put him firmly in selectors’ minds and he fired during Australia’s recent ODI series with South Africa.
His 5-31 against the Proteas in Perth proved he could take big hauls in big matches, something he admits had been lacking from his game early in his career.
Hazlewood credits his return to Test contention to Australian assistant coach Craig McDermott, who has helped him to get greater swing and pitch it up more often, as well as having a stronger body and added experience.
“At the time it’s hard to say whether you’re ready or not,” he said of his Australian debut in 2010.
“I feel as though I’m more ready now after getting a few years of domestic cricket under my belt and doing the hard yards for NSW over the last couple years and doing quite well in the Shield final.
“It feels like I’m more ready.”
While Siddle struggled in Australia’s two-Test series against Pakistan in the UAE, Hazlewood has hit form at the right time.
He received a ringing endorsement this week from national head selector Rod Marsh and last week fast bowling great Glenn McGrath gave him his backing.
But Hazlewood said he expected selectors to stick with the pace arsenal of Siddle, Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson which routed England last summer and hadn’t considered his chances of getting the nod at the Gabba.
“Obviously those three guys did the business last year for all five Tests,” he said.
“An unchanged line up will hopefully be the best way to go but I’ll see how I go.”
