Josh Hazlewood is one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket. Known for his accuracy, consistency, and ability to swing the ball, Hazlewood has been a key figure in Australia’s bowling attack for over a decade. In this article, we will take a closer look at his height, career, achievements, and how his physical attributes contribute to his success as a cricketer.
Josh Hazlewood’s Height:
One of the key factors that contribute to Josh Hazlewood’s success as a fast bowler is his height. Standing at an imposing 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters), Hazlewood is a tall cricketer, which gives him a natural advantage when it comes to generating bounce and extracting swing from the pitch.
| Height in Feet | Height in Meters | Impact on Bowling |
|---|---|---|
| 6 feet 5 inches | 1.96 meters | Hazlewood’s height allows him to generate bounce from pitches, making him a challenge for batters. It also helps him generate movement both in the air and off the pitch. |
Impact of Height on Fast Bowling:
Tall fast bowlers like Josh Hazlewood tend to have a higher release point, which allows them to generate more bounce. This is particularly effective on pitches that offer bounce or assistance for fast bowlers. Hazlewood’s ability to extract extra bounce on both flat and grassy wickets has made him one of the most dangerous bowlers in world cricket, especially in Test matches.
Additionally, his height allows him to generate a high-arm action, enabling him to maintain a consistent line and length while hitting the top of the stumps or just outside the off-stump with accuracy. Hazlewood’s height, combined with his ability to bowl at speeds exceeding 140 km/h (87 mph), makes him a formidable force for opposing batters.
Josh Hazlewood’s Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Josh Hazlewood’s journey to becoming one of Australia’s leading fast bowlers started at a young age. Born on January 8, 1991, in Tamworth, New South Wales, Hazlewood quickly impressed with his tall frame and ability to bowl fast.
| Date of Birth | January 8, 1991 |
|---|---|
| Place of Birth | Tamworth, New South Wales |
| Height | 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters) |
| Playing Role | Fast bowler |
| Batting Style | Right-hand bat |
Hazlewood made his debut for Australia in 2010 in a T20I match against South Africa. However, it was in the longer format of the game, Test cricket, where he truly made a name for himself. His debut in Test cricket came in 2014 against India, and from there, his career took off.
Hazlewood’s Early Achievements:
- Debut Test Match: Hazlewood made his Test debut in December 2014 against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
- Maiden Test Five-Wicket Haul: He took his first five-wicket haul in a Test match in 2015 against New Zealand in Wellington.
- Key Role in 2015 Ashes Series: Hazlewood played an instrumental role in Australia’s Ashes series win against England in 2015.
Josh Hazlewood’s Playing Style and Strengths
Josh Hazlewood’s playing style is defined by his ability to consistently hit the right lengths and maintain accuracy. Unlike some fast bowlers who rely on sheer pace or aggressive bouncers, Hazlewood’s strength lies in his consistency and subtle swing.
| Strength | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | Hazlewood is known for his ability to bowl consistent, straight lines with minimal error. This forces batsmen to play at almost every delivery. |
| Bounce | His height allows him to generate bounce, especially on pitches with a little extra carry. |
| Swing | Hazlewood is also adept at generating both conventional and reverse swing, making him dangerous in a variety of conditions. |
| Stamina and Durability | His ability to bowl long spells with minimal drop in intensity makes him a valuable asset in Test cricket. |
Bowling Action:
Hazlewood’s bowling action is smooth and efficient. His high-arm action, combined with his tall frame, ensures he gets good height and bounce from the wicket. This is especially useful in challenging conditions, such as during tours to India or South Africa, where the pitches can vary considerably.
Josh Hazlewood’s Career Milestones
Hazlewood’s career is filled with significant achievements. He has been a cornerstone of Australia’s fast bowling attack, alongside players like Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
| Career Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Test Debut | December 2014 against India (Melbourne Cricket Ground) |
| ODI Debut | February 2010 against West Indies |
| T20I Debut | February 2010 against South Africa |
| Best Test Bowling Figures | 6/52 against New Zealand (Wellington, 2016) |
| ICC Ranking (Test Bowler) | Ranked among the top 10 Test bowlers in the world |
| World Cup | Part of Australia’s 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup-winning squad |
| Ashes Victories | Key contributor to Australia’s victories in the Ashes series (2015, 2017-18, 2021-22) |
Josh Hazlewood’s Best Performances:
Hazlewood’s best Test bowling figures came in 2016 when he took 6 wickets for 52 runs against New Zealand in Wellington. He was instrumental in Australia’s Ashes victories and has been a key figure in every major series that Australia has played since his debut.
In ODIs, Hazlewood has also been a consistent performer, with his best bowling figures being 4/33 against South Africa in 2016. His ability to perform across formats has made him one of Australia’s most reliable fast bowlers.
Josh Hazlewood’s Physical Attributes and Their Contribution to His Success
Hazlewood’s height of 6 feet 5 inches is not the only physical attribute that contributes to his success. His strong physique, along with his smooth and efficient bowling action, makes him a dangerous weapon for the Australian team.
Physical Attributes and Their Impact:
| Physical Attribute | Impact on Performance |
|---|---|
| Height (6 feet 5 inches) | Generates bounce and height, which makes him a threat on all types of pitches. |
| Strength and Fitness | Hazlewood’s physique allows him to bowl long spells without tiring, maintaining consistency and accuracy. |
| Smooth Bowling Action | His high-arm action helps him generate movement both in the air and off the pitch. |
Hazlewood’s ability to bowl long spells and maintain a high level of intensity is a testament to his fitness levels. Fast bowlers, especially those who rely on pace and bounce, need to maintain strong physical conditioning to avoid injuries and perform consistently over long periods. Hazlewood’s durability is one of the reasons he is such a valuable asset for Australia in all formats.
Josh Hazlewood’s Influence in the Australian Team
As part of the “Big Three” fast bowlers (along with Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins), Hazlewood has been pivotal to Australia’s fast-bowling success. The trio has formed a formidable partnership, helping Australia dominate in both home and away conditions.
| Partnership | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Mitchell Starc | Starc’s pace and aggression complement Hazlewood’s accuracy and consistency. |
| Pat Cummins | Cummins’ pace and versatility, combined with Hazlewood’s height and bounce, create a balanced attack. |
Hazlewood’s role has often been that of the bowler who builds pressure, bowls long spells, and targets the stumps, while his teammates, Starc and Cummins, provide the attacking threat. This balance has made Australia’s pace attack one of the most successful in world cricket.
Conclusion
Josh Hazlewood, with his imposing height of 6 feet 5 inches, has become one of the finest fast bowlers in world cricket. His ability to consistently generate bounce, swing, and maintain accuracy makes him a key figure in Australia’s cricketing success. His career continues to thrive, and as he further hones his craft, Hazlewood is expected to achieve even greater milestones in the future.
His physical attributes, combined with his commitment to fitness and his unique bowling style, ensure that Hazlewood will remain a top-tier bowler for years to come. For cricket enthusiasts and aspiring fast bowlers, Hazlewood’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of height, skill, and consistency in the fast-bowling department.
