A country boy from Tamworth, Hazlewood became the youngest fast-bowler ever to represent New South Wales when, aged just 17, he was handed a first-class debut against the touring New Zealanders in 2008.

An international debut followed in 2010, aged 19, when he took on England in an ODI in Southampton, becoming the youngest Australian player at that level. His rapid rise started when he earned a rookie contract with the Blues when still in high school, despite not having played Sydney grade cricket.

Sometimes compared to his idol Glenn McGrath, Hazlewood was man-of-the-match in the final of Australia’s successful campaign at the Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand.

A stocky right-armer who gets plenty of bounce out of his 196cm frame, Hazlewood’s best first-class performance came in the 2014 Sheffield Shield final when he took 6-50 against Western Australia.

Despite being hampered by several injury concerns in his young career, Hazlewood is expected to have a bright future for Australia at all levels of the game.