Former India player turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra added Josh Hazlewood could be a weak link in Australia’s seam attack in World Cup 2023. However, Australia have named an 18-member squad for the mega event to take place in India from October 5 to November 19. Hazlewood is among five frontline pacers in the squad, with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Sean Abbott and Nathan Ellis being the others as well.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra said: “Mitchell Starc is not just a bowler in Australia, England or favorable conditions. His numbers in Asia are equally good. 37 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 23.1 – not bad at all, picking up more than two wickets per match is a phenomenal thing. Pat Cummins – similar once again. His numbers in Asia actually become better. However, you see a weak link in the form of Josh Hazlewood. He has an average of 25.6 and an economy of 4.57 otherwise but only six wickets in eight matches in Asia. He has an average of 61. Josh Hazlewood’s figures are terrible.”
READ MORE: Virat Kohli shares the importance of maintaining diet
However, Hazlewood registered figures of 1/55 in 9.3 overs in the only ODI he has played in India so far as well. He has played his other 7 ODIs in Asia on Sri Lankan soil, where he has claimed five wickets at an average of 62.20 and an economy rate of 4.89 as well. Meanwhile, Chopra stated that Trent Boult has indifferent numbers in Asia.
READ MORE: “Can be the future captain of India” – Kiran More on Ruturaj Gaikwad
“Trent Boult’s overall numbers are phenomenal but he has an average of nearly 40 in Asia. He has picked up only 17 wickets in 14 matches. He is not the same threat because he doesn’t pick that many wickets with the old ball. He is mostly a new-ball bowler. A lot of respect but he is lethal only with the new ball. Tim Southee’s numbers in Asia are better than his overall numbers. You wonder why that is the case – maybe he bowls more off-cutters and has a little more variety. Lockie Ferguson – an overall average of 31 and 29 in Asia. New Zealand – they combine the five fingers to make a fist but fast bowling is okay-okay,” Aakash Chopra concluded.
