Ahead of the opening Ashes Test at Edgbaston which is scheduled to begin on June 16, star Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has declared himself 'fully fit' for the five-match series against arch-rivals England. Hazlewood, who has played just four Tests in the last two years due to constant battle with injuries, has voiced his desire to play at least three Tests during the upcoming Ashes series.
"If we go back a few years, I would have said (I wanted to play) all six (matches)," Hazlewood said.
"But I guess it's a little bit different now, based on the last two years. Three would be a nice pass and four is probably a tick. Any more than that is great, any less then I am probably a little disappointed again," he added.
In seam-friendly English conditions, any team in the world would love to have Hazlewood's services but Australia are currently suffering from the problem of plenty. As Hazlewood missed the World Test Championship (WTC) final, his replacement Scott Boland made a huge impact in Baggy Green's title triumph. Boland was one of Australia's protagonists in the World Test WTC final victory. The right-arm pacer dismissed Shubman Gill twice, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja once in the Test match before finishing with five wickets in the contest.
There is every chance that Hazlewood doesn't start the series for Australia in Ashes and the team management sticking with in-form Boland. Hazlewood is well aware of the depth in the Aussie side that usually leads to a high-quality player sitting on the bench.
"When you have that depth ... you really go as hard as you can and then reassess after the game," Hazlewood said.
"You always have someone of high quality sitting on the pine and ready to go," he added.
It is still early days for Boland in international cricket. Yet, the veteran pacer has become a star and a fan favourite. In a star-studded bowling line-up, Boland has done tremendously well to carve his own niche and, he has done so in an eye-catching manner. And now, it might force Hazlewood on the bench.
Ashes 2023: Schedule
June 16-June 20: 1st Test, Edgbaston
June 28-July 2: 2nd Test, Lord’s
July 6-July 10: 3rd Test, Headingley
July 19-July 23: 4th Test, Emirates Old Trafford
July 27-July 31: 5th Test, The Kia Oval
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Ashes 2023: Dates, schedule, venues, squads, when and where to watch; know complete details ahead of England vs Australia series
'England will play Scott Boland like a spinner': Ex-England captain sheds light on how Ben Stokes & Co. will tackle in-form Aussie pacer
