Glenn McGrath labels Josh Hazlewood as the best fast bowler in world cricket
A tall fast bowler with no discernible pace yet tormenting batsmen across the globe by adhering to line and length in the strictest possible way – that sounds familiar, right? Having found a kindred spirit in Josh Hazlewood, it is no surprise that the original metronome, Glenn McGrath, does not see any fast bowler currently better than the 25-year old.
The iconic seamer, who treated opposition batting lineups to psychological examinations during his heydays, also backed his fellow New South Wales-man to succeed for a lengthy period of time.
“He's (Hazlewood’s) definitely up in the top couple of bowlers in the world, the way he's bowled the last few matches he's up around the number one spot,” McGrath claimed during an event promoting water supplier Mount Franklin's partnership with the McGrath Foundation for the pink-themed Sydney Test.
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The 46-year old added, “He had a hiccup in the UK (during 2015 Ashes) which I thought was a good learning experience for him and the way he's come back, he's a world-class bowler now. He showed that in the last two or three games – where he's taken the big wickets, bowling consistent areas and the pressure's on the batsman the whole time. He looks comfortable, he looks confident and the pace is up. I think he's in the form of his life. The good thing for Josh is I think he can maintain that for a long, long time.”
No fast bowler in Test history has picked up more wickets than McGrath’s tally of 563 at an average of 21.64 with 29 five-wicket hauls. The right-armer’s 949 international scalps across all three formats also remains the most by a quick bowler. While the numbers speak for itself, his reputation to get the better of almost every top batsman of his era presents him as an ideal role model for any seamer.
Though Hazlewood has a long way to go before even thinking of matching McGrath, he is rapidly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. The skillful operator has picked up 94 wickets from 23 Tests at an average of 25.61 and 44 scalps from 28 ODIs at an average of 24.52. In an era of burgeoning bat-sizes as well as docile pitches, his numbers are certainly commendable.
According to the ICC Test bowlers rankings, only Dale Steyn and James Anderson are higher ranked fast bowlers than Hazlewood who presently sits at fifth. The top two spots are occupied by spinners.
Among seamers, the likes of Stuart Broad (who trails Hazlewood by just 3 rating points), Mitchell Starc and Kagiso Rabada can also stake a claim for being the best fast bowler at the moment across all conditions.
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It is pertinent to note that Hazlewood emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the recently completed Test series against South Africa at home. Although Australia went on to lose the series 1-2, he did outperform both Rabada. While Starc is developing into a monstrous proposition in the limited-overs formats, his average and economy rate are lower than Hazlewood’s in Tests.
One of the duo could be rested for the third ODI against New Zealand. But, they will return to take the new ball together when the home Test series against Pakistan begins from the 15th.