With the World Test Championship Final (WTC) 2023 finally coming to a conclusion with Australia winning the coveted title, the Pat Cummins-led side would be keen on gearing up for the upcoming much-anticipated Ashes series against England that is scheduled to begin from June 16.
Hosted by England, there has been a lot of discussion over what kind of pitches would be used for the five-match Test series. Recently, England skipper Ben Stokes opined that the side had already communicated that they would like fast and flat wickets in play for the Ashes.
However, Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has opined that England’s tactic of preparing a batting track could misfire. With the ‘Bazball’ approach in mind, England’s aggressive batting tactics would sit nicely on a flat wicket. However, Hazlewood is of the opinion that if he was England, he would look to prepare a bowler-friendly surface to trouble the visitors.
"It surprised me when (Stokes made his pitch request). It might have been a furphy, who knows. " But if I am England, I am probably going the opposite way. You are probably going green wickets that are doing a fair bit, and then back yourself to make more runs than us on those types of wickets. They come to Australia, and the wickets are harder, flatter, and faster. And we've seen the results," Josh Hazlewood told AAP.
Josh Hazlewood on the sidelines due to injury
Josh Hazlewood has been ridden with injuries for quite a few weeks now. The 32-year-old suffered a side strain, which saw him get replaced in the squad for the recently concluded WTC final. Scott Boland was brought into the squad in his place, and the 34-year-old delivered.
Boland was one of the best players for Australia in the WTC final, he took five wickets across the two innings of the clash against India, and if Hazlewood can return to full fitness in time for the Ashes, then Australia would be in quite a dilemma and might sweat over the selection call.
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