London, June 8, 2025 – Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is back in top form and fully committed to making Australia’s World Test Championship (WTC) final XI against South Africa at Lord’s. His determination is fueled by missing the 2023 WTC final due to injury, and he’s making sure history doesn’t repeat.
Hazlewood, 34, narrowly missed Australia’s triumphant WTC final in 2023 because of a calf injury. Now, after guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their maiden IPL title, he’s reinforcing his case to selectors alongside Scott Boland for the pace-trio spot, joining Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
IPL Success Paves the Way
Fresh from taking 22 wickets in IPL 2025—and bowling the final over to clinch the title—Hazlewood has the confidence and match fitness to stake his claim.Reflecting, he explained:
“I feel in much better place this time… my numbers over the last two years have been pretty good… I still feel like I’m bowling the best I have in my career … just a matter of the body holding up.”
Arriving late in England, Hazlewood quickly shifted from T20 mode to Test readiness—adjusting length and pace to suit English conditions
England’s Conditions: Tactical Tweaks
Hazlewood noted a shift in length is vital against the Dukes ball in England:
“In the IPL… hitting around seven‑to‑nine metres in the powerplay… not really threatening the stumps… So it’ll just be about pushing that length and touch fuller and still getting that zip.”
He’s already had a moderate optional nets session in Beckenham and is scheduled for a match-style workout at Lord’s––signaling selectors are watching closely.
Selection Puzzle: Hazlewood vs Boland
Selectors face a tough decision: Hazlewood’s IPL form and experience or Boland’s rich veins of performance, including 21 wickets at an average of 13.19 against India last summer. Hazlewood has taken 57 wickets at 19.68 in 13 Tests since the 2023 Ashes, while Boland remains a compelling wildcard
Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed it’s a close call and the pace unit would be carefully crafted for the final
Career-Best Form: Missing the Final is Not an Option
Hazlewood, closing in on 280 Test wickets with an average around 24.5, believes missing back-to-back finals is not an option . This WTC finale is the missing jewel in his decorated resume—alongside World Cups, T20 titles, IPL wins, and domestic honours
With selectors saying the final squad defends their WTC crown, Hazlewood looks to be primed to wear the baggy green at Lord’s starting June 11.
🇦🇺 Aussie Attack: Confidence High
Former Aussie captain Aaron Finch backed Australia’s pace force, insisting they hold an edge over South Africa and naming Cummins’ leadership as key . A potent pace trio featuring Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood—or Boland—is expected to pose a monumental threat.
Summary Table: Hazlewood’s Road to Lord’s
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Past heartbreak | Missed 2023 final with calf injury |
| IPL form | 22 wickets; title-winning campaign |
| Current fitness | Fully healthy; career-best pace & accuracy |
| Condition adjustment | Focusing on fuller length on English pitches |
| Selection battle | Neck-and-neck with Scott Boland |
| Selectors’ view | Pace unit tailored to final’s demands |
| Career milestone | Seeking redemption and a WTC winner’s medal |
Why This Matters
The WTC final stands as the pinnacle of red-ball cricket, especially after Test cricket’s decline in some regions. For Hazlewood, it’s not just about cricketing glory—it’s cementing his legacy in the game’s most prestigious arena.
What to Watch
- Selection reveal: Likely around June 9–10, with Hazlewood’s name eagerly anticipated among the three front-line pacers.
- Final practice: Sunday at Lord’s—intensity will indicate his readiness.
- Match impact: Should he play, how he performs under pressure will define Australia’s title defence.
Final Word
Josh Hazlewood is no longer willing to be the man left watching from the sidelines. With IPL success, sharp form, and mental resilience, he’s set the stage for his rightful spot in Australia’s WTC final lineup. Failure to secure selection would be a shock—but with everything in place, he’s primed to ensure he’s not denied a second title this time around.
