Not worried about age factor in bowling attack: Josh Hazlewood
What's the story
Australian paceman Josh Hazlewood has dismissed concerns over the age of his team's bowling attack for the upcoming Ashes series. The 34-year-old believes he is in the best shape he has been in a long time and that their experience of bowling together is a major asset. The squad features stalwart spinner Nathan Lyon, who will turn 38 during the series, and left-arm quick Mitchell Starc, aged 35. Scott Boland is 36 while regular captain Pat Cummins is 32-year-old.
Team dynamics
Hazlewood feels in best shape
Despite the age of some players, Hazlewood believes their collective experience is a major advantage. He said, "I feel in the best shape I've been in a long time," adding that their experience across formats helps them learn a lot over the years. He stressed how well they know each other's game and can help each other out on the field.
Age is just a number
Lyon agrees with Hazlewood
Lyon, who is set to become Australia's second most prolific Test wicket-taker after Shane Warne during the series, echoed Hazlewood's sentiments. He said, "The game has totally changed," referring to how professional it has become with science and recovery techniques. Lyon added that he still feels like he hasn't played his best cricket yet, further emphasizing the fact that age shouldn't be a limiting factor in performance.
DYK
Cummins to miss first Test
It must be noted that Cummins has been ruled out of the highly-anticipated Ashes opener in Perth, starting on November 21. Steve Smith will captain the team in his absence with four players over the age of 34 - Lyon, Starc, Boland, and Hazlewood - likely to form the bowling attack. Interestingly, 26-year-old Cameron Green is the only player in Australia's Ashes squad under the age of 30.