Josh Hazlewood found himself at the centre of a viral moment during the third Test between Australia and South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town. Broadcaster SuperSport used a playful camera trick that made it appear as though the Australian fast bowler was watching a female spectator through his binoculars.
Australia took a one-run lead on Day 2 (Wednesday, October 28) after reaching 330/4 at stumps in reply to South Africa’s first-innings total of 329. Matt Renshaw (74) and Josh Inglis (85) led Australia’s recovery, while Cameron Green and Alex Carey also reached half-centuries. The series decider was level at 1-1.
Josh Hazlewood’s Binoculars Moment Goes Viral During Australia vs South Africa Test
The broadcast showed Hazlewood watching the action from the Australian dugout through binoculars before the camera panned across the stands and focused on a female spectator. The sequence made it look as though the pacer was observing the fan.
Hazlewood lowered his binoculars with an awkward smile when the footage appeared on the stadium’s big screen. Teammates Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon and Cooper Connolly were seen laughing at the incident.
The clip quickly gained attention on social media, with fans enjoying the broadcaster’s timing. However, the footage does not establish what Hazlewood was actually watching. SuperSport has a long-standing reputation for playful and cheeky camera work in South Africa.
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Josh Hazlewood Claims Aiden Markram’s Wicket Before South Africa Collapse
Josh Hazlewood also played an important role with the ball, finishing with figures of 1/59 from 15 overs. Australia had elected to bowl first after winning the toss, but South Africa’s openers initially made the visitors work hard for a breakthrough.
The opening pair put together a 158-run partnership before Josh Hazlewood dismissed Aiden Markram after lunch. Mitchell Starc completed a brilliant running catch to remove the South African batter, giving Australia a crucial opening.
The wicket shifted the momentum as Australia applied sustained pressure and bowled South Africa out for 329. Josh Hazlewood also produced an outstanding boundary catch to dismiss David Bedingham, adding to his contribution in the field.
Matt Renshaw and Josh Inglis Help Australia Take First-Innings Lead
Australia entered their innings without Steve Smith, who was ruled out of the decider with a neck injury. Matt Renshaw and Travis Head provided a brisk start, putting together 58 runs for the opening wicket before Head fell for 41.
Marnus Labuschagne then continued his difficult run of form, departing for a five-ball duck against Simon Harmer. Australia were briefly under pressure at 58/2 before Renshaw and Cameron Green rebuilt the innings.
Green, who had recently returned from an abdominal injury, scored 65 after moving up to No. 4. He shared a 126-run partnership with Renshaw, who scored 74. Both batters fell in quick succession, leaving Australia at 185/4.
Josh Inglis and Alex Carey then took control, combining for an unbeaten 145-run stand to put Australia ahead by stumps. Inglis finished the day on 85 not out from 111 balls, while Australia reached 330/4 to secure a one-run first-innings lead over South Africa.
