Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood says getting sufficient game time in the just-concluded IPL in the UAE was “perfect” preparation for the T20 World Cup and could stand him in good stead in the showpiece.
The 30-year-old returned to the IPL even as pace colleagues Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Kane Richardson opted out of the second leg of the lucrative league and remained at home.
“That was my thinking going in,” Hazlewood, who plays for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, was quoted as saying by Australian media.
“Conditions, the elements here – it’s quite hot – and just getting a run of games of T20 cricket leading into the World Cup. It’s been perfect.”
Having been part of CSK’s triumphant campaign, he has now linked up with the national squad in Abu Dhabi.
Hazelwood, who has a fair knowledge of the conditions and slow nature of the pitches in the UAE, has played more T20 games in the past six months than he had in the previous six years, thanks partly to leagues such as the IPL.
“I feel pretty confident in my role now,” he said.
“It’s pretty similar role whether it’s for Chennai or Australia a couple (of overs) up front and then a couple at the end. So (I’m) feeling more confident with every situation I’m in.
“You can never dominate T20 cricket as a bowler, I don’t think. There’s just so many different elements. But I’m feeling good about my game.”
He played nine games in the second half of the IPL and was one of CSK’s major wicket-takers.
Having missed matches for Delhi Capitals in the IPL’s second leg owing to a calf injury, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis is back bowling in the nets and could feature in the team’s World Cup opener against South Africa in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Dear Reader,
Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.
We, however, have a request.
As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.
Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard.
Digital Editor
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
