Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ace fast bowler Josh Hazelwood opened up about his comparisons with former Australian bowling great Glenn McGrath and said that he has been compared to the Australian legendary fast bowler every day since he started playing.
Speaking on the RCB podcast Hazelwood said, “Really every day I would say (Comparison with McGrath). Since I started playing for New South Wales even before that. Just playing in the country with him being from a country area as well. You know we are very similar I guess in the way we go out about our business of bowling and come from similar backgrounds. So there is plenty of things alike there yeah it has been since I have been 15-16 years old.”
Hazelwood similar to McGrath despite not having express pace has troubled the batters with his lines, lengths and ability to move the ball.
Speaking about Pujara he said, “It’s a bigger thrill for the bowlers (to dismiss Pujara). I think when you do end up getting his wicket, it means you have earned it.”
“It means you’ve put in a lot of hard work. Whether it is the fifth ball he (Pujara) faces… you’ve already bowled to him in the previous Test matches, you’ve earned that respect and you’ve earned that wicket,” added Hazlewood, who was RCB’s pace spearhead during IPL 2022, taking 20 wickets.
Hazlewood said that he had had some great tussles with the Indian stalwart, adding that he was a fantastic player.
“He’s someone I’ve had some great tussles over the years, and, in particular, in Australia. He’s someone Australians love to hate but he’s a fantastic player and I guess that is part of Test cricket. When you do get him out, you’ve earned it,” said Hazlewood, whose participation in IPL 2023 could be in doubt because of the tendon injury.
