Ashes 2015: Josh Hazlewood crucial for Australia, says Sir Ian Botham
'New South Wales man has shades of McGrath'
Sunday 19 July 2015 21:41, UK
Sir Ian Botham says Josh Hazlewood must take much of the credit for Australia’s dramatic Ashes turnaround.
Hazlewood snared 3-68 in England’s first innings and 2-20 in their second as the Baggy Greens blasted their way to a 405-run victory at Lord’s that squared up the Investec series at 1-1 ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston.
Botham believes the 24-year-old’s McGrath-esque qualities complement the rest of Australia’s attack perfectly.
I keep on thinking of Glenn McGrath when I watch him bowl with his height and the way he hits the deck.
“Hazlewood is the find for me,” said Botham, after the New South Wales seamer cleaned up James Anderson to complete Australia’s triumph.
“I keep on thinking of Glenn McGrath when I watch him bowl with his height and the way he hits the deck.
“You also have the fear factor of Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc; Mitchell Marsh got some big wickets here; and Nathan Lyon plugs away, getting over-spin that other spinners don’t.”
Johnson tore England to shreds on Sunday at Lord’s – much like he did during the 2013-14 Ashes down under – ending with figures of 3-27 from 10 overs.
The searing left-armer had Alastair Cook and Jos Buttler caught behind, before forcing Moeen Ali to spoon a pull to short leg as the home team succumbed in 37 overs in their second innings.
Johnson toiled at Cardiff last week – registering match figures of 2-180 – and Ricky Ponting feels the quick’s decision to drop back his length at Lord’s reaped dividends.
The aggression was back in this game and he proved that no matter how flat the wicket is that if you are prepared to bend your back you can get something out of any surface.
“Bowling short stuff gives him confidence and the feeling that batsmen fear him,” said the former Australia captain. “He can then pitch it up afterwards and do some damage.”
“The aggression was back in this game and he proved that no matter how flat the wicket is that if you are prepared to bend your back you can get something out of any surface.
Nasser Hussain, meanwhile, feels England’s request for a docile track to try and negate Johnson and his fellow paceman Mitchell Starc backfired spectacularly.
“I think it’s an error to play Australia on a flat surface because if Johnson ain’t getting much out of it, you know Stuart Broad and James Anderson won’t,” he added.
“Johnson will always get more out of a flat track as he is quick and hostile."
Coverage of the Ashes continues on Sky Sports Ashes with the third Test at Edgbaston from July 29. You can also watch the third Test with a NOW TV Sports Day Pass. Plus, our Ashes Events Centre - the best of Sky Cricket's analysis at your fingertips - is available on our iPad app.
