Rested Hazlewood eyeing home summer

A little over nine months after his spectacular Test debut, Australia paceman Josh Hazlewood says he understands the reasons behind Cricket Australia’s decision to rest him from next month’s scheduled two-match series in Bangladesh.

While circumstances may yet dictate that Hazlewood doesn’t end up missing any more than the fifth Ashes Test at The Oval – CA has currently postponed the Test squad’s departure to Dhaka amid security concerns – the New South Wales quick is nonetheless aware of the demands that constant playing and touring puts on the body and mind.

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“For the guys that are (playing) all formats, it is quite tough on the body specifically, but mentally as well, being away on tour, spending so long away from home,” he told foxsports.com.au. “There’s more and more cricket being played these days, more than there ever was, so it’s quite important, I think, to give the guys a rest when you can.

“I guess being rested by Cricket Australia is only a good thing, it means they want you for the future and they’re keen to look after you.”

“With my history, I don’t think I had played six first-class games for NSW in a row let alone six Test matches with a couple of other first-class games on tour.

“So I was very happy with how I managed to get through so much cricket and I think it’s a great time to have a bit of a breather and then get the body ready for summer and go again.”

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Hazlewood debuted for Australia in ODIs as a 19-year-old before he was struck down by a string of injuries, with back and foot stress fractures the main culprits.

His rapid rise was suddenly stalled, before last summer he re-emerged as the country’s outstanding young paceman with a stellar Matador Cup tournament, highlighted by a stunning spell in which he ripped through South Australia to the tune of 7-36.

Hazlewood accepts the injuries as part of his development, and despite missing the Ashes dead rubber in August due to what coach Darren Lehmann described simply as “niggling problems”, he feels confident he is through the worst of it.

“I think it’s just how your body develops,” he said. “I think the main thing, not only for me but everyone, is your bones harden up in those early 20s, and now that I’m 24, I’m on the other side of that.

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“I think it is crucial to play as much Shield cricket as possible before making that step-up to the Test arena and having those long hard days on the field.”

Hazlewood earned the cherished Baggy Green in the second Test at the Gabba against India last summer, claiming five wickets in the first innings including four of the top seven.

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He followed it up with the Player-of-the-Series award after taking 12 wickets in two Tests, and added 16 more to his record in four Ashes Tests.

Throw in a World Cup triumph in his own backyard, and it’s been a hugely successful and jam-packed period for the fast bowler.

“Looking back to that (my Test debut) it seems only yesterday, but I played a lot of international cricket last summer and thoroughly enjoyed it and I hope this year simulates what I did last year,” he said.

“I ticked off a few boxes with a Boxing Day Test and World Cup win, and then got over to the Ashes which obviously didn’t go as we’d have liked, but it’s been a great experience.

“There’s always a lot of cricket on the horizon, so I guess you’ve got to pick your times to rest certain people or just give them a break if their body is not quite there.

“It’s their (the selectors') decision and I’m pretty happy with how it is now and now I’m just looking forward to building up with New South Wales and getting ready for that first Test of the summer.”