ICC World Cup 2023: 'Josh Hazlewood's figures are terrible'- Aakash Chopra Speaks On Australia's Pace Attack Ahead Of ODI WC

Former India opener, Aakash Chopra spoke on Australia’s pace attack that will be coming to India for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup and said that Josh Hazlewood can be the weak link among other pacers during the upcoming tournament.

While speaking on his official YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra praised Mitchell Starc and said that his bowling is good in Asia which can help the Aussies in the ODI World Cup.

The 45-year-old added that Pat Cummins’ has improved himself and now his numbers are better on Asian condition.

“Mitchell Starc is not just a bowler in Australia, England or favorable conditions. His numbers in Asia are equally good. 37 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 23.1 – not bad at all, picking up more than two wickets per match is a phenomenal thing. Pat Cummins – similar once again. His numbers in Asia actually become better.” Aakash Chopra said.

You see a weak link in the form of Josh Hazlewood: Aakash Chopra

The former India player, Aakash Chopra believes that Josh Hazlewood will be the weak link in the Aussie squad among the other fast pacers.

Chopra mentioned his stats in Asia and said that he has an average of 25.6, an economy of 4.57, and has picked only six wickets after playing eight matches in Asia.

“However, you see a weak link in the form of Josh Hazlewood. He has an average of 25.6 and an economy of 4.57 otherwise but only six wickets in eight matches in Asia. He has an average of 61. Josh Hazlewood’s figures are terrible,” the 45-year-old added.

Aakash Chopra also talked about New Zealand’s bowling attack and said Trent Boult’s numbers are magnificent but average in Asian pitches.

“Trent Boult’s overall numbers are phenomenal but he has an average of nearly 40 in Asia. He has picked up only 17 wickets in 14 matches. He is not the same threat because he doesn’t pick that many wickets with the old ball. He is mostly a new-ball bowler. A lot of respect but he is lethal only with the new ball,” Aakash Chopra further added.

Earlier, Australia announced their 18-member preliminary squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup which is set to begin from October 5th and will end on November 19th.

In the 18-member squad, Cricket Australia has named five main pacers, including Josh Hazlewood along with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Sean Abbott, and Nathan Ellis.

In the upcoming tournament, Pat Cummins-led Australia will begin their campaign against Rohit Sharma’s India on October 8th at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.