Josh Hazlewood believes South Africa tour is at par with Ashes

Australia is ready to face South Africa in the four-match Test series, next week. However, one of the chief architects Josh Hazlewood with the ball in the Magellan Ashes 2017-18 made a massive statement regarding the Qantas Tour of the Rainbow Nation.

“The Ashes is obviously a different prospect, and at home the crowds were massive, the media hype was big and it was a great series to be a part of,” Hazlewood was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia.

The two top-notch teams will face each other with the first Test beginning from March 1 at Kingsmead in Durban, ahead of the gruelling series Hazlewood believes it’s going to be a hard battle.

Moreover, the rivalry on South African soil could further heat it as pace portent of Kangaroos are ready to deliver.

Recently, the world No.2 South Africa has struggled with the bat, but while featuring at home condition they overall become threatening.

Following the statement, Hazlewood maintained the series will hold the intensity of the traditional Ashes series after playing the crucial role in England’s 4-0 debacle.

“But I think this series is going to be a lot tougher cricket. So it’s a good opportunity in sort of familiar conditions, a bit like Australia, to put our best foot forward and come home with the trophy,” Hazlewood stated.

Steven Smith-led Australia is already sweating out in South Africa. Hazlewood stated he is excited and would give his best in the impending series.

On the other side, Hazlewood reiterated the Proteas tour could surpass the pinnacle of the five-day format. It simultaneously dates back to little over 140 years.

“I think it’s going to match it if not even surpass it,” Hazlewood maintained.

Talking about the record of Australia in South Africa it is superior as the visitors have registered five wins, as two were drawn out of seven Test series. However, the Kangaroos suffered in Asia and England as well in the recent past.

“It’s overseas for us and we’ve obviously struggled overseas in the last couple of years,” Josh Hazlewood said.

Mitchell Starc would be relying on burgeoning record:

Fast bowling speedster Starc remarked it’s going to be a massive contest with the revenge on the horizon. Australia is looking forward to maintaining the imperious record on the South African soil while playing the quality cricket.

“It’s going to be big. South Africa beat us at home and now we’ve got to do one on them and beat them away from home. So, it’s important for us with the record that we do have over here to keep that intact,” Starc added.

The left-arm pace gun Starc has primarily set his focus on his major contribution. He stated both teams have quality players lined up who could score the bulk of runs and make a difference.

“We want to win all the games we play, but now the big focus is winning games away from home. It’s two awesome bowling attacks, plenty of guys from both teams who can score big runs and attacking players,” Starc concluded.

The month-long tour alongside will see hosts witnessing the return of skipper Faf du Plessis after suffering from fingering injury. Interestingly, AB de Villiers will strengthen the core.

Here’s the newsfeed:

Heinrich Klassen Included in the Test Squad for Australia Series

Meg Lanning returns to Australian squad for India tour