Hazlewood Targets Continued Game Time Ahead of Australia’s South Africa Tests

Josh Hazlewood is keen to maintain his workload after making a successful return to Test cricket, with the fast bowler eyeing Australia’s upcoming ODI series against Zimbabwe and South Africa as valuable preparation for the Test tour of South Africa.

Hazlewood returned to the Test side against Bangladesh in Darwin after more than a year away from the format and made an immediate impact, claiming seven wickets in the match. He followed that up with another impressive spell in Mackay, although he finished with just one wicket in the quick two-day contest.

With Australia’s ODI squads for Zimbabwe and South Africa set to be announced this week, Hazlewood is expected to feature in both series. The veteran pacer indicated that he could play two of the three ODIs in each leg as he looks to maintain his rhythm and fitness.“I think the best way forward for me is to play as much as I can within reason,” Hazlewood said.

He added that maintaining the intensity gained from his recent Test comeback would be important ahead of the South Africa series.

Hazlewood was particularly pleased with his physical condition after completing an extensive 10-week training block before the Bangladesh series.

Australia are expected to use different squads for the Zimbabwe and South Africa ODI series. Pat Cummins, who remains the official ODI captain, is likely to join the team only for the South Africa leg as he prepares for the Test series.

The selectors also face decisions surrounding the Australia A tour of India, which overlaps with the white-ball schedule. Several players could be prioritised for the red-ball assignment as Australia begin preparations for the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in January and February.

Meanwhile, Australia's Test squad for South Africa is expected to be announced early next week, with Marnus Labuschagne’s position under scrutiny following his struggles against Bangladesh.

Hazlewood also spoke about South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who has been ruled out of the ODIs because of a hamstring injury and is racing against time to be fit for the Tests.

Hazlewood admitted Australia's batters would prefer Rabada not to recover in time, praising the South African as an “unbelievable athlete” who tends to recover quickly from injuries.

There was more encouraging news for Australia regarding Michael Neser. The allrounder said he is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a calf injury and remains hopeful of being fit for selection for the South Africa Tests.

Neser’s experience could provide Australia with useful depth in the pace department, particularly after his impressive Ashes campaign last season, when he claimed 15 wickets at an average of 19.93.

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