Still Pinching Myself: Josh Hazlewood Reflects Back On His Match-Winning Performance
Josh Hazlewood (Image Credit: Twitter)

Everyone is left shocked, and are still trying to comprehend what and how did India from a strong position – potentially a match-winning one – after day 2 lost the match by the second session of day 3. Josh Hazlewood, the wrecker in chief himself admits that even he was also a bit surprised by the way things transpired in the first session on Saturday as Aussie pacers bundled out India for their lowest Test total of 36.

After losing Prithvi Shaw on Day 2, India started the day on the score of 9/1. On the second over of the day, Pat Cummins quickly got rid of the nightwatchman, Jasprit Bumrah. This began the procession of batters coming in, getting out, and heading back to the dressing room for a shower.

Still Pinching Myself: Josh Hazlewood Reflects Back On His Match-Winning Performance
Josh Hazlewood celebrates a wicket. (Credits: Twitter)

Cummins dismissed Australia’s mighty nemesis, Cheteshwar Pujara. For some reason, Tim Paine decided to replace Mitchell Starc and called in Josh Hazlewood to bowl. On his very first ball of the day, the lanky pacer struck with the wicket of Mayank Agarwal. 4 balls later, he sent back Ajinkya Rahane for a duck.

Cummins got the big fish, Virat Kohli next over as Hazlewood scalped out Wriddhiman Saha and Ravichandran Ashwin on consecutive deliveries before nipping out Hanuma Vihari as well completing 8th five-wicket haul of his Test career. Joe Burns led the way in the chase of 90 as Australia take lead in the series.

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Still Pinching Myself: Josh Hazlewood Reflects Back On His Match-Winning Performance
Pat Cummins. (Credits: Twitter)

I try to emulate Glenn McGrath: Josh Hazlewood

In the post-match presentation ceremony, Hazlewood revealed that even he was surprised by observing how quickly the Indian wickets fell. Hazlewood is often likened with Glenn McGrath as both share similar traits – tall, precision, and control over line and length, despite being less quicker than their respective bowling partners. The 29-year-old says that he tries to emulate the former legendary pacer.

“Still pinching myself (about how quickly the wickets fell). Little bit (smiles, asked if he emulated Glenn McGrath style of bowling today). I try to do that every time I bowl, to be honest,” Josh Hazlewood said.

Australia, India, Josh Hazlewood
AP Photo/David Mairuz

Hazlewood felt that they bowled a bit fuller compared to the first innings, and reaped the rewards this time for their immaculate control. He also believes that the wicket of Agarwal on his first ball set the tempo for further bowling, otherwise, some loose deliveries could have been cashed by the batter.

“We bowled a little bit fuller and straighter and there you go- all out for 36, good result. Ready to go from ball one makes a lot of difference; can go wrong if you take two three balls to warm up,” he added.

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