Josh Hazlewood is determined to build on his impactful return to Test cricket against Bangladesh by maintaining his bowling intensity through upcoming ODI series and into the South Africa tour.
Hazlewood, who claimed seven wickets in the opening Test at Darwin, is expected to feature in both Australia’s ODI squads for Zimbabwe and South Africa, potentially playing “two out of three” matches in each series to fine-tune his preparations.
“The best way forward for me is to play as much as I can within reason,” Hazlewood stated. “We’ve got two ODI series before the Test series, so balancing participation will be key. Once you reach that intensity level, maintaining it consistently is crucial.”
The 10-week training block leading into the Bangladesh series has left Hazlewood in good physical shape. “Very pleased with where I’m at physically,” he said, adding he emerged from the campaign without significant issues.
Australia’s white-ball squads will vary between the Zimbabwe and South Africa legs, with captain Pat Cummins yet to commit to the Zimbabwe series. The selection process may also prioritize players involved in Australia A’s red-ball tour to India, potentially influencing the Border-Gavaskar series preparations for January.
The Test squad for South Africa will be announced early next week, with the retention of Marnus Labuschagne’s spot likely linked to his ODI performance. Meanwhile, Kagiso Rabada’s hamstring injury has cast doubt over his availability for the Test series, with Hazlewood noting, “We don’t know exactly how severe the hamstring is. But I’m sure the batters would rather face someone else than KG.”
Michael Neser remains a contender for the Test squad despite a calf injury, reporting he is ahead of his rehabilitation timeline. “South Africa is still on the cards,” Neser said, “and if everything goes well with rehab, I’ll be fit and ready.”
While Neser may not secure a starting role in the pace-heavy attack, his experience (15 wickets at 19.93 in last season’s Ashes) provides valuable depth to the bowling unit.
