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Bengaluru: Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has been troubled by injuries lately. He missed three Tests against India and the tour of Sri Lanka due to a side and calf strain before a hip injury forced him to skip the Champions Trophy in Feb-March. Even before these injuries played out, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru splashed out Rs 12.5 cr for him at the IPL auction.
The 34-year-old has repaid the management’s faith with 12 scalps so far at a strike rate of 12.41. The lanky pacer, whose rehab and gym work in the lead up to the tournament is bearing fruit, has bowled 72 dot balls in seven matches. His control over the new ball has been impressive. There is an air of confidence in the way he is running up.
“I’ve just felt better as the tournament’s gone on. I’ve done quite a bit of work in the nets. I just feel better in my run up and at the crease with every game that comes, so hopefully that continues,” Hazlewood said after his team’s disappointing third straight home loss here to Punjab Kings in a rain-curtailed 14-over-a-side match.
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“I’m still doing a fair bit of work on the rehab side of things, but everything’s feeling good and hopefully will stay that way,” he said.
Though Hazlewood (3-14) finished on the losing side on Friday, he was on the money once again. The pacer, who has been highly effective in the powerplay, put pressure with his disciplined approach. He reminds one of all-time Aussie great Glenn McGrath, who was known for his accuracy and consistency.
To be fair, Hazlewood has also been helped with the presence of experienced Indian operator, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a master craftsman with the new ball and at the death. ‘Bhuvi’ has taken eight wickets and the two have struck a solid partnership.
“Just to bowl with someone like Bhuvi, who’s been around for so long, so skilful at the start and at the end, it’s great to learn from him as well,” Hazlewood said.
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