Josh Hazlewood Crosses 300 Test Wickets Milestone with Six-Wicket Haul Against Bangladesh
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has reached the 300-wicket landmark in Test cricket following a six-wicket haul in the first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin. The 35-year-old entered the contest requiring five wickets to hit the milestone and finished Bangladesh’s first innings with a career tally of 301 Test wickets.
What Happened
Before the Darwin Test, Hazlewood had been dealing with limited availability, having featured in only six of Australia’s preceding 14 Test matches. Due to injury, he had not participated in any Test cricket during the year leading up to the series against Bangladesh. His lack of recent red-ball match practice generated selection discussions, with fellow seamer Scott Boland weighed as an alternative option.
Australia’s selectors chose to retain Hazlewood in the starting lineup. He rewarded that faith in a single innings by capturing six wickets, moving past the 300-wicket mark and answering earlier questions regarding his fitness and competitive form.
Key Highlights
- Hazlewood became the ninth Australian bowler in history to achieve 300 wickets in Test cricket.
- His career tally reached 301 wickets following a six-wicket performance in the first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin.
- He joins active teammates Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon in reaching the 300 Test wickets milestone for Australia.
- With a career bowling average of 24.02, Hazlewood ranks fourth among Australia’s nine 300-wicket bowlers, trailing only Glenn McGrath (21.64), Pat Cummins (22.21), and Dennis Lillee (23.92).
Why This Matters
The performance firmly establishes Hazlewood among a select group in Australian cricket history. Alongside Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc, all four prominent members of Australia’s active bowling group have now crossed the 300-wicket threshold.
Furthermore, Hazlewood’s career bowling average of 24.02 reflects long-term consistency across different venues and opposing batting lineups. Among the nine Australian bowlers to take at least 300 wickets, only Glenn McGrath, Pat Cummins, and Dennis Lillee maintain lower career averages.
Speaking to Kayo Sports following Bangladesh’s first innings, Hazlewood offered an understated perspective on reaching the mark: “You don’t really think about those sort of milestones when you’re playing.” He noted that personal milestones are accomplishments to look back on after concluding a playing career.
What to Watch Next
The six-wicket display strengthens Hazlewood’s position for ongoing selection as Australia continues its Test series against Bangladesh.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Australian bowlers have taken 300 Test wickets?
Josh Hazlewood is the ninth Australian bowler to achieve the milestone of 300 Test wickets.
Which other active Australian players have achieved this milestone?
Hazlewood joins current Australian teammates Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc in having taken 300 or more Test wickets.
What is Josh Hazlewood’s career bowling average?
Hazlewood holds a Test bowling average of 24.02, which is the fourth-best average among the nine Australians with at least 300 Test wickets.
Source: CricTracker