Australias Hazlewood Does Not Want Miss Wtc Final Again
Josh Hazlewood: Haunted by Past WTC Final Frustration, Determined to Seize His Moment in 2023
The echoes of the 2021 World Test Championship (WTC) final loss linger, a persistent phantom in the career of Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood. For a bowler of his caliber, a player who has consistently been at the forefront of world cricket’s bowling ranks, that crushing defeat against New Zealand at the Rose Bowl remains a significant professional scar. It wasn’t just a loss; it was an occasion where Australia, expected to contend fiercely, faltered against a dominant opponent. Hazlewood, a cornerstone of the Australian attack, experienced this firsthand, and the desire to rectify that outcome, to finally lift that coveted WTC mace, is a powerful motivator as he prepares for the 2023 final.
The 2021 final was a stark departure from the dominant Australian performances typically associated with Test cricket’s pinnacle events. Facing a New Zealand side that seemed to have all the answers, Australia struggled to assert their usual authority. Hazlewood, while never one to make excuses, understood the collective disappointment. The memory of the opposition celebrating their victory, a moment he has likely replayed countless times in his mind, serves as a potent reminder of what is at stake. This isn’t about individual redemption; it’s about collective triumph on the world stage, a stage he and his teammates have worked tirelessly to reach again. The pressure of representing a nation with such a rich cricketing heritage, coupled with the specific sting of the previous WTC final, has undoubtedly forged a steely resolve within Hazlewood. He understands that opportunities to compete for major ICC trophies are precious, and the memory of the last one slipping away will only fuel his determination to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself.
Hazlewood’s journey to this WTC final is also marked by a resilience forged through overcoming injuries. His career, while illustrious, hasn’t been without its setbacks. Significant periods on the sidelines, particularly with back issues, have tested his mental fortitude and physical conditioning. Each time he has returned, he has done so with renewed purpose and a sharper edge to his bowling. This ability to fight back from adversity is a testament to his character and a valuable asset as he heads into a high-pressure final. The meticulous rehabilitation processes, the grueling training regimes, and the constant pursuit of peak physical condition are all part of the preparation that underpins his confidence. He knows what it takes to be at his best, and he has demonstrably proven his capacity to reclaim that level after injury. This experience of battling back from physical challenges likely imbues him with an even greater appreciation for these opportunities to perform on the grandest stage, making him even more driven to make them count.
The 2023 WTC final presents a different narrative, a chance for Australia to rewrite the script. The team has undergone a resurgence since 2021, showcasing a potent blend of experienced stalwarts and exciting emerging talent. Hazlewood, alongside his fellow fast bowlers like Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, forms one of the most formidable pace attacks in the world. Their understanding, their ability to feed off each other, and their sheer potency with the Kookaburra ball are undeniable strengths. The tactical nous that comes with playing together for so long, the subtle adjustments they can make to one another, and the collective pressure they can exert on opposition batsmen are all key factors that Australia will look to leverage. Hazlewood, in particular, is a master of control, his metronomic line and length proving incredibly difficult to break. He’s not a bowler who relies on express pace alone; his skill lies in his ability to exploit subtle movement and create sustained pressure.
The opponent in the 2023 final, India, presents a formidable challenge. Their batting lineup is packed with world-class performers, capable of dominating any bowling attack. However, Hazlewood and his fellow bowlers have a proven track record against them. The key for Australia will be their ability to consistently hit the right areas, starve the Indian batsmen of scoring opportunities, and create pressure through economical bowling. Hazlewood’s accuracy and ability to extract bounce from any surface make him an ideal weapon for this purpose. He is the kind of bowler who can quietly chip away at the opposition’s defense, creating openings for others, or deliver the crucial breakthrough himself. His understated brilliance often goes unnoticed by casual observers, but within the cricketing fraternity, his value is immense. He is the perfect foil to the more flamboyant styles of Starc and Cummins, providing an anchor to their attacking flair.
The conditions at The Oval, the venue for the 2023 WTC final, are often conducive to swing bowling, a discipline at which Hazlewood excels. His ability to get the ball to move both in and away from the bat, coupled with his consistent bounce, makes him a genuine threat in English conditions. He understands the nuances of bowling at The Oval, the slight variations in bounce and seam movement that can be exploited. This familiarity, combined with his current form, positions him as a key player for Australia’s success. The history of Test cricket at The Oval is rich, and Hazlewood has the potential to write another significant chapter in its annals. His ability to adapt his bowling style to different pitches and conditions is a hallmark of his success, and he will be relying on that adaptability in spades for this crucial encounter.
Beyond his bowling prowess, Hazlewood’s presence in the Australian dressing room is invaluable. He is a calm and composed character, a voice of experience who can steady nerves during tense moments. His leadership, though often quiet, is felt by his teammates. In the high-stakes environment of a WTC final, such an influence can be the difference between victory and defeat. He leads by example, demonstrating a professional approach to the game that inspires those around him. His dedication to the team’s goals, his willingness to put in the hard yards, and his unwavering focus on execution are qualities that resonate deeply with his fellow players. He is a team man through and through, and his satisfaction will come from seeing Australia lift the trophy, not from personal accolades.
The narrative of Hazlewood’s career thus far has been one of consistent excellence and quiet domination. He may not always be the headline-grabber, but his contribution to Australia’s success has been immense. The 2021 WTC final loss was a missed opportunity, a moment that he, and the entire Australian cricketing fraternity, will be eager to move past. The 2023 final represents a chance for redemption, not just for him as an individual, but for the team as a whole. The hunger to correct that past disappointment, to finally stand on the podium as world champions of Test cricket, will undoubtedly be a driving force for Josh Hazlewood. His meticulous preparation, his proven ability, and his unwavering determination suggest that he will leave no stone unturned in his quest to ensure Australia does not miss out on this coveted prize again. The desire to finally secure that WTC mace, to etch his name into the annals of Australian cricketing history as a champion of the inaugural World Test Championship, burns brightly within him, and it’s a quest he is primed to conquer.