JOSH Hazlewood has etched his name into Ashes folklore by bowling Australia to victory at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With parents Anne and Trevor watching on in the stands, Hazlewood claimed the crucial wickets of Jos Butler (34) and Craig Overton (21) to help Australia retain the Ashes in England for the first time since 2001.
The Bendemeer native finished with figures of 2-31 from 17.3 overs and held his nerve to take the winning wicket late in the day.
Read More:
Watching on from Tamworth was brother Aaron Hazlewood, who told the Leader he believes his brother "has never bowled better".
"It was a bit nerve-wracking at times, but I was really glad I stayed up to watch the Aussies win this one," Hazlewood said.
"I sent him a few text messages afterward to congratulate him on his performance and he was pretty excited.
"Honestly, I couldn't be prouder of how he has gone and I know Mum and Dad have really enjoyed being there watching on as well."
The six-wicket match haul comes after the man affectionately known as the Bendemeer Bullet claimed nine wickets in the fourth test at Headingly.
"He was made to wait for his chance by the selectors, but I think he always knew he would get an opportunity," Aaron Hazlewood said.
"I, like so many other people, was a bit sceptical of him being left out of the first test.
"However, it has proved to be a stroke of genius by the selectors because I think he is bowling as well as he ever has."
Despite the history-making victory, Hazlewood believes his brother will be focused on the fifth and final test.
"I know all the boys celebrated, but I don't think they stayed up too late," he said.
"I think they are all thinking that the job isn't done yet.
"There is still one test to go and we need to win that to ensure we not only retain the Ashes, but win the series.
"We haven't won a series over there in 18 years, so I reckon they will all be pretty keen to get the job done."
Australia will now turn their attention to the fifth test at The Oval in London.
"He's been bowling really well and I'm sure he will be really keen to finish off the season well," Hazlewood said.
"Hopefully they can get the win."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
