If you’ve followed Australian cricket over the last decade, you’ve probably heard the name Josh Hazlewood whispered with respect. Known for his laser-sharp line and length, this tall right-arm fast-medium bowler has quietly built one of the most consistent and dependable careers in world cricket.
Let’s dive into the journey, stats, and story of this New South Wales-born star who embodies control, class, and calm under pressure.
Quick Personal Info
Personal Information | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Josh Hazlewood |
Date of Birth | January 8, 1991 (Age: 34 years) |
Birthplace | Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia |
Height | 196 cm |
Role | Bowler |
Batting Style | Left-handed |
Bowling Style | Right-arm fast-medium |
Country | Australia |
The Making of Josh Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood’s cricket journey began in the small town of Bendemeer, New South Wales, where he played backyard cricket with his brother. His natural height and rhythm made him a perfect fit for fast bowling. By the time he was 17, he had already represented Australia at the Under-19 level and was destined for the big stage.
Unlike many fast bowlers who rely purely on speed, Hazlewood’s success lies in his control and ability to move the ball just enough to trouble batters. Think of him as the modern-day Glenn McGrath — a bowler who doesn’t need fireworks to get results.
Josh Hazlewood’s Batting Career Stats
Though primarily known for his bowling, Hazlewood has had a few moments with the bat — usually coming in as a tailender to frustrate the opposition with valuable runs.
Test Format
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Matches: 73
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Innings: 89
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Runs: 510
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Highest Score: 39
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Average: 11.86
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Strike Rate: 43.18
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Fours: 73
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Sixes: 2
He’s not one to hit towering sixes, but when he stays, he holds the fort.
ODI Format
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Matches: 91
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Innings: 35
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Runs: 131
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Highest Score: 23
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Average: 16.38
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Strike Rate: 81.37
Hazlewood’s ODI batting might not make headlines, but his presence ensures the lower order doesn’t crumble easily.
T20I Format
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Matches: 52
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Innings: 10
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Runs: 29
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Highest Score: 13
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Average: 9.67
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Strike Rate: 107.41
Even in the shortest format, he’s managed to hold his own — proving every run counts.
IPL Format
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Matches: 39
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Runs: 19
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Highest Score: 7
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Average: —
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Strike Rate: 65.52
He’s more of a bowler’s bowler in the IPL — and fans love him for it.
Josh Hazlewood’s Bowling Career Stats
This is where Hazlewood truly shines. His precision, discipline, and consistency have made him a nightmare for batters across all formats.
Test Bowling
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Matches: 73
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Innings: 136
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Balls: 14,859
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Wickets: 280
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Average: 24.53
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Economy: 2.77
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Strike Rate: 53.07
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Best Bowling (Innings): 6/67
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Best Bowling (Match): 9/79
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5-Wicket Hauls: 12
Hazlewood is an old-school Test bowler — patient, accurate, and deadly. He’s a major reason behind Australia’s Test dominance in the past decade.
ODI Bowling
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Matches: 91
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Balls: 4,737
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Wickets: 138
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Average: 27.27
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Economy: 4.77
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Best Bowling: 6/52
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5-Wicket Hauls: 3
In ODIs, Hazlewood often opens the bowling and sets the tone with early breakthroughs. His ability to maintain pressure in the middle overs is what separates him from many others.
T20I Bowling
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Matches: 52
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Balls: 1,186
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Wickets: 67
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Average: 22.10
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Economy: 7.49
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Best Bowling: 4/12
T20s demand control and smart variations — and Hazlewood has mastered both. His calm temperament under pressure is one of his biggest strengths.
IPL Bowling
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Matches: 39
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Balls: 867
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Wickets: 57
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Average: 20.98
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Economy: 8.28
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Best Bowling: 4/25
In the IPL, Hazlewood has been a key performer for teams like Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. His consistency and ability to pick wickets in powerplays make him a valuable asset in franchise cricket.
Career Timeline – From Debut to Dominance
Let’s take a quick look at how Hazlewood’s career unfolded across different formats:
Format | Debut Match | Last Match (as of 2025) |
---|---|---|
Test | vs India, Dec 17, 2014 at The Gabba | vs India, Dec 14, 2024 at The Gabba |
ODI | vs England, Jun 22, 2010 at The Rose Bowl | vs Pakistan, Nov 8, 2024 at Adelaide Oval |
T20I | vs West Indies, Feb 13, 2013 at The Gabba | vs England, Sep 11, 2024 at The Rose Bowl |
IPL | vs Delhi Capitals, Sep 25, 2020 at Dubai International Stadium | vs Punjab Kings, Jun 3, 2025 at Narendra Modi Stadium |
From his debut at just 19 years old to becoming one of the most respected bowlers in international cricket, Hazlewood’s rise has been remarkable.
Also Read : Hasan Ali Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats
What Makes Josh Hazlewood So Special?
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Consistency Over Pace: He may not be the fastest, but his accuracy is second to none.
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Adaptability: Whether it’s swinging the red ball or hitting the hard length in T20s, he adapts beautifully.
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Calm Demeanor: Rarely loses his composure — even under high-stakes pressure.
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Partnership Builder: Works seamlessly with fellow Aussie quicks like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
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Fitness & Longevity: Despite a long career, he’s stayed fit and relevant — a testament to his discipline.
Career Highlights Worth Remembering
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2015 ICC World Cup Champion: A crucial part of Australia’s winning squad.
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ICC Test Team of the Year: Multiple appearances for his consistency.
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Top Wicket-Taker: Regularly features among Australia’s leading bowlers across formats.
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Key IPL Performer: Especially known for his spells under pressure.
Final Thoughts – The Quiet Legend of Australian Cricket
Josh Hazlewood isn’t flashy, and he doesn’t need to be. His methodical approach and control have earned him a reputation as one of the most dependable bowlers in world cricket. In an era dominated by pace and power, Hazlewood reminds us that precision and patience can still win battles.
Whether it’s breaking partnerships in Tests or bowling tight overs in the IPL, he’s a master of his craft — calm, composed, and consistently effective.