Josh Hazlewood was born in Tamworth, New South Wales, and grew up in the small village of Bendemeer. From a very young age, he displayed exceptional talent with the cricket ball. Much of his early practice came from backyard battles against his older brother, which sharpened his competitive edge. Inspired by the great Australian fast bowlers he grew up watching, Hazlewood set his sights on becoming a frontline pacer for his country.
He quickly rose through the junior cricket ranks in New South Wales, impressing coaches with his pace, accuracy, and calm temperament. His performances in age-group tournaments earned him selection for Australia’s Under-19 side. Hazlewood played a crucial role in guiding the team to victory at the 2010 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, a success that firmly placed him on the radar of national selectors.
Domestic and International Career
At just 17 years old, Hazlewood made his first-class debut for New South Wales, becoming one of the youngest players to represent the state. His early domestic performances showcased his ability to bowl long, consistent spells and trouble batters with bounce and seam movement.
In 2010, he earned his first international cap in an ODI against England, marking the beginning of what would become a celebrated career. However, his defining moment came in 2014 when he made his Test debut against India. On debut, he claimed a five-wicket haul, immediately proving his class and composure at the highest level.
Hazlewood soon became a key figure in Australia’s formidable pace attack, joining forces with Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. Together, they formed one of the most lethal fast-bowling trios in modern cricket. His metronomic accuracy and relentless pressure made him invaluable in both Test matches and ODIs.
Apart from international cricket, Hazlewood has been a consistent performer in franchise leagues. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has delivered impactful spells for teams like the Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore, showcasing his adaptability in the T20 format.
Playing Style
Josh Hazlewood is often compared to the legendary Glenn McGrath for his immaculate line and length. While he may not always be the fastest bowler on the field, his control, bounce, and ability to move the ball make him a constant threat. His methodical approach allows him to build pressure over long spells, often forcing mistakes from batters.
Though primarily a bowler, Hazlewood has contributed useful runs in the lower order, proving himself capable of holding the bat when needed. His calm demeanor under pressure adds further value to his game.
Personal Life
Unlike many modern athletes, Josh Hazlewood prefers to keep his personal life private. Details about his family and relationships are rarely shared publicly, reflecting his grounded and reserved personality. Off the field, he enjoys fishing, playing golf, and spending quality time with loved ones. These hobbies provide him with balance and relaxation away from the intensity of international cricket.
Achievements
- Multiple Ashes victories with Australia
- Winner of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup
- Played a pivotal role in Australia’s 2021 ICC T20 World Cup triumph
- Regularly ranked among the top fast bowlers in ICC rankings
- Strong IPL contributions, particularly with Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore
Legacy
Josh Hazlewood’s legacy is built on precision, discipline, and consistency. He has been the bedrock of Australia’s bowling attack for over a decade, often delivering when it matters most. His style of bowling—unerring accuracy combined with subtle movement—has drawn constant comparisons with McGrath, and he has lived up to that reputation with performances across all formats.
From Test match victories to World Cup glory, Hazlewood has been central to Australia’s cricketing success in the modern era. His professionalism, sportsmanship, and ability to remain composed under pressure ensure that he will be remembered as one of the greatest fast bowlers of his generation.
For aspiring cricketers, Hazlewood’s journey from backyard cricket in a small village to becoming a global fast-bowling star is nothing short of inspirational.
