"Josh Hazlewood bowling at Perth Stadium, First Test Australia versus West Indies, 2 December 2022" by Calistemon, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

 

Josh Hazlewood silenced his critics in style on Friday, producing a brilliant five-wicket haul in the second innings of the first Test against the West Indies at Kensington Oval. With a spell built on trademark precision and control, the Australian pacer finished with figures of 5-43 — his 13th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

Coming into the match under some pressure, especially after former pacer Mitchell Johnson publicly criticized his performance in the World Test Championship final, Hazlewood let the ball do all the talking. Operating with immaculate line and length, he made life miserable for the West Indies batters, who looked clueless against his subtle movement and relentless accuracy.

“There was enough on the wicket, it was up and down on a length. I’m enjoying it, Tests in the moment. Once we saw West Indies take the second new ball, I thought things could happen but not that quickly. There were a few cracks probably on a short of a length which kept the batters guessing and we kept hitting that length.,” Hazlewood said  

Hazlewood delivered just when Australia needed him the most. With a steady partnership brewing between John Campbell and Keacy Carty for the second wicket, it was Hazlewood who broke through. He dismissed Campbell and then sent Brandon King packing off the very next ball in the 11th over — a double blow that turned the tide.

On a pitch offering unpredictable bounce, it was the perfect surface for someone like Hazlewood, who thrives on hitting the right areas. For a bowler who lives off line and length, conditions like these are a dream — and he made full use of them.

This five-wicket haul wasn’t just another line on his career stats sheet. It was personal. A well-timed, emphatic response to his critics — especially former Aussie quick Mitchell Johnson, who recently questioned Hazlewood’s form after the WTC final. 

Thanks to his clinical spell, Australia wrapped up the Test match well within three days. No need for a fourth — and no complaints from fans or players who now get two extra days to rest (or celebrate).