Australia’s dependable pacer Josh Hazlewood showcased his trademark discipline once again with an exceptional spell of 0-29 in the second ODI against India at the Adelaide Oval. Though he finished wicketless, Hazlewood’s precise and economical bowling played a key role in Australia’s narrow two-wicket victory.

The 33-year-old pacer, known for his consistency, expressed no regrets about his approach, emphasising that execution and control mattered more than the wickets column. Josh Hazlewood’s ten-over spell was a masterclass in control and seam movement.

On a slightly damp surface offering variable bounce, he continuously challenged India’s top order with his immaculate line and length. “A little bit unlucky, maybe a touch short early. But it was a good toss to win — there was a little bit there all game, probably more so for us early on,” Josh Hazlewood told cricket.com.au.

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“I wouldn’t change anything from the way I bowled. It’s hard to push it any fuller in white-ball cricket — that was probably what was needed. It’s not often you get a wicket like that in white-ball cricket.”

Josh Hazlewood was still all smiles after his ‘unlucky’ none-fa #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/CYDs55EMK2

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 23, 2025

While his figures may not reflect the impact, Hazlewood’s ability to build pressure from one end allowed the other Australian bowlers to attack more freely. His spell restricted India to a modest total, which eventually proved chaseable despite a few late scares.

With regular skipper Pat Cummins nursing a lower back stress injury and likely to miss at least the first Ashes Test in Perth, Hazlewood is expected to shoulder greater responsibility in the upcoming series. The veteran pacer is slated to feature in the final ODI in Sydney, provided he recovers well from back-to-back matches.

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Following the ODI series, Hazlewood will also participate in the first two T20Is against India before turning out for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield clash against Victoria at the SCG starting November 10 — a vital preparation phase before the Ashes campaign.