Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood reached a major career milestone on Saturday, claiming his 300th wicket in Test cricket during the first Test against Bangladesh at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, according to Kuwaittimes.
Hazlewood Claims 300th Test Wicket Against Bangladesh in Darwin
The 35-year-old paceman achieved the landmark on the third day of the match in his 26th over when Bangladesh allrounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz edged behind to wicketkeeper Alex Carey while attempting to drive on the up, as reported by Cricketnmore. Hazlewood ultimately finished the innings with figures of six wickets, wrapping up the Bangladesh attack by having Ebadot Hossain caught behind. The performance marked his 14th career five-wicket haul and his fourth six-wicket haul in Test cricket, and his first in nine years, according to Socialnews.
Joining an Elite Australian Bowling Group
With this milestone, Hazlewood became the ninth Australian bowler in history to reach 300 Test wickets, according to Sportnation. He joins an exclusive group that includes current teammates Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc, alongside bowling legends such as Glenn McGrath and Dennis Lillee, as noted by Aninews.
This achievement marks a historic first in international cricket. According to Aninews, Australia now has four players in the same playing group who have each taken at least 300 Test wickets, making them the only Test attack in history to have played together after all four members reached the landmark.
Among Australia’s nine bowlers to reach the 300-wicket figure, only Glenn McGrath (21.64), Pat Cummins (22.21), and Dennis Lillee (23.92) maintain bowling averages lower than Hazlewood’s 24.02, according to Aninews.
Reflecting on joining his teammates in the club, Hazlewood told Kayo Sports, You don’t really think about those sort of milestones when you’re playing,
as cited by Cricketnmore. I guess it’s probably something you look back on at the end. But I guess just to see the other names there, and I’m playing with three of them, so yeah, it’s pretty cool.
Overcoming Injury and Selection Debate
Hazlewood’s 300th wicket capped a significant personal comeback. He entered the match having been out of action for the previous 12 months and having participated in only six of Australia’s last 14 Tests during a period disrupted by injury, according to Cricketnmore.
His selection for the opening Test had been subject to debate, with fellow fast bowler Scott Boland vying for a spot in the attack, as reported by Ianslive. Hazlewood ultimately vindicated his selection by delivering a match-shaping spell on a good batting wicket where other Australian bowlers struggled to make regular breakthroughs under challenging heat, according to Cricketnmore and Ianslive.
Teammates and leadership offered high praise following the milestone. Scott Boland highlighted Hazlewood’s physical and technical assets, stating in a video shared by cricket.com.au, He’s got all the attributes all fast bowlers would love to have, like he’s 6 foot 5 or 6, can bowl 140km/h, puts the ball on a 10 cent piece, can move the ball both ways, like he can, you know, as a bowler you sort of look at him and go, ‘Jeez I’d like to have some of that,
according to Ianslive.
Australia captain Pat Cummins also praised Hazlewood’s adaptability beyond his reputation for hitting a consistent length, noting his use of a wobble seam, reverse swing, and effectiveness across overseas conditions, as reported by Ianslive.
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