DARWIN, Australia — Josh Hazlewood became the ninth Australian men’s bowler to reach 300 Test wickets during the first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin, completing the landmark with his 14th career five-wicket haul and finishing the innings with six wickets.
- Hazlewood became the ninth Australian man to reach 300 Test wickets.
- He joined Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc in Australia’s 300-wicket group.
- The fast bowler claimed six wickets, his fourth Test six-wicket haul.
- His 300th wicket came when Mehidy Hasan Miraz edged behind while attempting to drive.
Josh Hazlewood Joins Australia’s 300-Wicket Elite
The milestone placed Hazlewood alongside three current Australian teammates who have also crossed the 300-wicket mark. Lyon, Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood now form a unique group in Test cricket, having played together after each reaching 300 wickets.
Hazlewood said milestones were not something he focused on while playing, but acknowledged the significance of sharing the achievement with three teammates.
“You don’t really think about those sort of milestones when you’re playing,” Hazlewood told Kayo Sports.
The 35-year-old added that seeing the other names associated with the achievement was particularly meaningful because he continues to play alongside three of them.
“But I guess just to see the other names there, and I’m playing with three of them, so yeah, it’s pretty cool.”
Hazlewood’s Return Produces a Major Milestone
Hazlewood began the match five wickets away from 300. His route back to the Australian Test side had been interrupted by injury, with the fast bowler having appeared in only six of Australia’s previous 14 Tests and none during the preceding 12 months.
His selection ahead of Scott Boland had therefore been debated before the match. Once play began, Hazlewood responded with the most productive bowling performance of Australia’s attack as Bangladesh established themselves on a good batting surface.
Six Wickets Came Across Three Days
| Hazlewood’s figures | Performance |
|---|---|
| Overs | 28 |
| Maidens | 3 |
| Runs | 89 |
| Wickets | 6 |
| Economy rate | 3.17 |
| Career five-wicket hauls | 14 |
| Test six-wicket hauls | 4 |
Hazlewood’s first major breakthrough came after Bangladesh’s Tanzid Hasan had survived a dropped chance in the bowler’s opening over on the first day. The reprieve allowed Tanzid to continue and eventually make 101.
On the second morning, Hazlewood ended the partnership between Tanzid and Mominul Haque by having Mominul caught behind while attempting an aggressive drive. He later returned with the second new ball and removed Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for 84.
The third day brought further breakthroughs. Hasan Mahmud was dismissed leg before wicket after Mehidy Hasan Miraz had earlier survived an lbw decision following a successful review. Taijul Islam then fell after extra bounce produced a leading edge that Cameron Green held in the gully.
Hazlewood reached the 300-wicket landmark after lunch when Mehidy edged behind while trying to drive. He completed his six-wicket haul by having Ebadot Hossain caught behind, ending Bangladesh’s innings.
A Nine-Year Wait for His Fourth Six-Wicket Haul
The six-wicket performance was Hazlewood’s fourth such haul in Test cricket and his first in nine years. It provided a significant contribution for Australia while Bangladesh’s batters otherwise proved difficult to dislodge.
Hazlewood acknowledged the challenge presented by the conditions, particularly the effort required to take wickets on the Darwin surface.
“They hung in there tough. Yeah, it’s pretty hard work out there on that track. We probably stuck it out, we didn’t let the runs flow too quickly there at the end.”
He also credited Bangladesh for maintaining their resistance and making Australia’s bowlers work for every breakthrough.
Australia’s Four 300-Wicket Teammates
| Bowler | Milestone status mentioned in source |
|---|---|
| Josh Hazlewood | Reached 300 wickets in Darwin |
| Nathan Lyon | Member of Australia’s 300-wicket club |
| Pat Cummins | Member of Australia’s 300-wicket club |
| Mitchell Starc | Member of Australia’s 300-wicket club |
What Hazlewood’s Milestone Means for Australia
Hazlewood’s achievement adds him to an exclusive Australian list while also highlighting the unusual depth of experience within the country’s current Test bowling group. The four bowlers have now shared the field after individually reaching the 300-wicket mark.
For Hazlewood, the landmark arrived immediately after a prolonged period away from Test cricket and alongside a match-winning spell that included six wickets. His return has therefore produced both a personal milestone and a substantial contribution to Australia’s attack in Darwin.
Why was Hazlewood’s selection significant?
Hazlewood had played only six of Australia’s previous 14 Tests and had not appeared in a Test during the preceding 12 months because of injury. His place in the opening Test was discussed alongside Scott Boland’s selection prospects.
When did Hazlewood take his 300th Test wicket?
Hazlewood reached 300 Test wickets during the first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin. His landmark wicket was Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who edged behind while attempting to drive.
What Happens Next
Hazlewood’s return has now been marked by a major career landmark and a six-wicket performance. His six wickets also brought the Bangladesh innings to an end, underlining his influence during Australia’s effort with the ball.
