Josh Hazlewood’s day four rearguard action saw the Bendemeer Bullet usurp another Tamworth test cricketer in the annals of Australian test cricket.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc’s 42-run stand was the highest ever Australian 10th-wicket partnership against India at the SCG, surpassing the 40-run partnership between Tamworth’s first test cricketer – John Gleeson - and Doug Walters in the fourth test of the 1967-68 series.
Gleeson had made his test debut in the first test in Adelaide, claiming two wickets in each innings.
The Aussies went into the Sydney test looking for a clean sweep after sneaking home by 39 runs in the third test in Brisbane.
Coming in with the Aussies 9-277 in their first innings after being sent in, Gleeson made 14 off 54-balls in a 51-minute knock that included one four.
He was eventually trapped in front by Erapalli Prasanna, leaving Walters stranded six short of his century.
READ ALSO:
The Aussies went on to bowl India out for 268 with Gleeson snaring 1-40 off his 12 overs of spin.
He was then in the second innings unbeaten on four as the home side posted 292 before dismissing India for 197 for a 144-run win, Gleeson picking up 1-27.
Half a century on and the circumstances couldn’t have been more different.
Replying to India’s imposing 7(dec)-622, Hazlewood, who was dropped on zero, and Starc’s efforts lifted Australia from 9-258 to 300.
Coincidentally the mode of Hazlewood’s dismissal was also lbw, the quick falling to Kuldeep Yadav for 21 – his best score of the series.
It’s not the first time he has been part of a record-breaking partnership.
His 97-run stand with Adam Voges back in 2015 in Roseau was the equal best 10th wicket partnership for Australia against the West Indies.
Hazlewood made 39 off 87, including five fours, on that occasion as Australia replied to the West Indies’ 148 with 318.