Josh Hazlewood achieved a significant career milestone in Darwin by securing his 300th Test wicket. This accomplishment marked the first time in Test history that a team fielded a quartet of bowlers who each hold over 300 Test victims, highlighting the longevity and collective success of Australia's current bowling attack. Hazlewood’s feat, which came during the 134th over of Bangladesh’s innings with the dismissal of Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 65, underscored his personal resilience in returning from various injuries to maintain his performance at the Test level.
The moment of celebration was shared by his teammates at Marrara Oval, though it occurred while Bangladesh held a commanding lead of over 200 runs, with their total reaching 418. This performance from the visitors, who had not played in Australia for 23 years, has presented a significant challenge to the home side over the first three days of the Test.
Australia’s second innings has seen the loss of four wickets, though the team maintains hope of a recovery. Cameron Green, currently at 43 not out, remains a key figure for Australia's potential comeback. Conversely, the match saw further struggles for batters Jake Weatherald and Marnus Labuschagne. Weatherald was dismissed after only three deliveries, while Labuschagne, despite showing improved form against fast bowling, fell to an innocuous delivery from spinner Taijul Islam.
For Hazlewood, the match represents a positive return to the Test arena after a year-long absence that included missing the entire Ashes series. Having proven his fitness by bowling multiple spells in difficult conditions, the 35-year-old demonstrated the accuracy and relentless technique that have made him an invaluable asset since his 2014 debut against India. Mitchell Starc noted that the Australian bowlers have had to adapt to Bangladesh's traditional, attritional style of play, a scenario in which Hazlewood’s persistent approach remains highly effective. As Australia looks toward the next 12 months, Hazlewood is expected to serve as a reliable anchor for captain Pat Cummins. There were very promising signs of Hazlewood being at his brilliant best at the start of last summer as he harassed the Indian batters in the ODI series in October. But that turned into his only international cricket output for the home season as he didn’t feature in any of the Tests against England.
