Playing all formats of cricket is possible, says Josh Hazlewood
What's the story
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has said that playing all formats of cricket is possible with proper planning and strategy. The 34-year-old pacer recently missed the last three T20Is against England to play a Sheffield Shield game for New South Wales against Victoria as part of his Ashes preparation. He highlighted the importance of picking and choosing games to maintain career balance and stay refreshed throughout the season.
Game strategy
Hazlewood emphasizes strategic game selection
Hazlewood, who has been a mainstay for Australia across formats along with skipper Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, suggested a strategy of playing selected games in a series and taking breaks to refresh. "I think it's (playing all formats) possible to a degree," he said on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru podcast. The pacer stressed on maximizing time at home and returning refreshed to the group as key to maintaining balance throughout the season.
Game policy
Hazlewood praises Australia's flexible game policy
Hazlewood praised Australia's clear-cut policy that gives players the freedom to choose their games. He said, "Obviously, all the Test matches are given... yeah, we can play two out of those three, or three out of the five, or whatever it is." The pacer stated the importance of building up for an upcoming Test match. He also said it is possible to play all formats with proper planning.
Stats
Hazlewood to miss 1st Test
Australia suffered a major blow ahead of the Ashes series as Hazlewood has been ruled out of the opening Test in Perth, starting on November 21. Hazlewood, who has taken 295 Test wickets, had performed well in the white-ball series against India last month. He also looked good in his Shield outing before complaining about hamstring tightness to NSW captain Steve Smith.