Josh Hazlewood, 34, will miss the final match of the Twenty20 series as he shifts focus to the upcoming Ashes. After a stunning spell of 3-13 in four overs that helped Australia dominate India at the MCG on Friday night, Hazlewood is taking a short break before joining NSW in the Sheffield Shield.
Having dealt with multiple injuries in recent years, Hazlewood is set to play a crucial role in Australia’s bid to retain the Ashes urn. With captain Pat Cummins sidelined for at least the first Test, Hazlewood and fellow fast bowler Mitchell Starc will need to shoulder a heavier workload.
Hazlewood expressed confidence that his white-ball bowling is among the best of his career, aiming to carry this form into the series against England.
“I was watching him in the ODIs,” said India’s T20 player Abhishek Sharma with a relieved smile upon learning Hazlewood would miss the last three games of the series.
Meanwhile, Mitch Marsh made headlines with a powerful six during the match, further highlighting Australia’s strong performance.
Josh Hazlewood’s departure from the T20 series after a commanding spell at the MCG marks a strategic focus on the Ashes, where his experience and form will be vital amid injury challenges in the Australian team.