Josh Hazlewood says Australia’s biggest challenges matter more than reaching 300 Test wickets as the fast bowler prepares to return for next month’s two-Test series against Bangladesh.
The 35-year-old is just five wickets away from becoming only the sixth Australian fast bowler to reach the landmark. Even so, Hazlewood insists his focus is firmly on helping Australia through a demanding run of Test cricket rather than chasing personal records.
The Bangladesh series, which begins in Darwin on 13 August, is expected to mark Hazlewood’s first Test appearance in 13 months. It would end his longest absence from the format since making his debut in 2014.
Hazlewood missed last summer’s Ashes because of a hamstring injury. He later suffered an Achilles problem and has spent recent weeks preparing at Brisbane’s National Cricket Centre.
Despite being on the verge of joining Dennis Lillee, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins in Australia’s 300-wicket club, Hazlewood has his sights set on something bigger.
“This group’s been together for quite a long time,” Hazlewood said.
“The big series are obviously England and India. I haven’t won in South Africa either, so there’s three that are coming up. There are a few boxes to tick off, not just for me but for this whole playing group.”
Australia face a demanding schedule that could include up to 21 Tests over the next 12 months. Success in Bangladesh would provide the ideal start before tougher away series against South Africa, India and England.
Hazlewood admitted those challenges have been driving his preparation.
“That’s been a driving factor during this prep,” he said.
“They’re some real big Test series and they’re all away. It’s tough competition and hopefully we get the job done.”
Competition for places in Australia’s pace attack has also intensified. Scott Boland impressed during the Ashes, taking 20 wickets in five Tests while Hazlewood was sidelined.
National selector George Bailey recently suggested Boland has built a strong case to be considered alongside Australia’s established pace trio.
The statistics underline that argument. Since Boland’s debut in late 2021, he has claimed 82 wickets at an average of 18.58 from 19 Tests. Hazlewood has taken 80 wickets at 20.40 in 20 matches during the same period.
