Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood emerged as the single most influential factor in the early stages of the recent T20 International series against India, delivering a devastating spell that virtually decided the crucial second match and set the tone for the series.
Despite being rested for the remainder of the five-match contest as preparation for the upcoming Ashes, Hazlewood’s one commanding performance ensured his impact on the series was profound and unforgettable.
The Powerplay Wrecking Ball at the MCG
The most significant contribution came in the second T20I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).3 On a lively pitch, Hazlewood showcased the virtues of Test-match line and length applied with T20 aggression.4
| Performance Summary (2nd T20I) | Stats | Impact |
| Figures | 3 wickets for 13 runs | Match-winning spell, earned Player of the Match. |
| Dot Balls | 15 (out of 24 deliveries) | Crippled India’s scoring rate and built immense pressure. |
| Key Wickets | Shubman Gill (5), Suryakumar Yadav (1), Tilak Varma (0) | Decimated India’s top three within the Powerplay. |
Hazlewood’s opening spell completely dismantled the much-vaunted Indian top-order, leaving them reeling at 32/4 inside the Powerplay.
The Silent Assassin’s Blueprint
Hazlewood’s effectiveness was not about raw pace or a bag of variations; it was about relentless precision and using the pitch to his advantage:7
- Immaculate Line and Length: He consistently hit the good or hard length, making it difficult for Indian batters to hit through the line or free their arms.8
- Disconcerting Bounce: His tall stature allowed him to extract steep, awkward bounce from the MCG surface, leading to top edges and discomfort, as seen when he hit Shubman Gill on the helmet.
- Pressure Cooker: By bowling an incredible 15 dot balls in his four overs, he forced the Indian batters into rash shots, leading directly to the wickets of Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (caught behind), and Tilak Varma.9
His clinical spell restricted India to a total of just 125, which Australia chased down comfortably, securing a decisive victory and a 1-0 series lead.10
A “Relief” for India
In a telling sign of his impact, Hazlewood’s strategic withdrawal from the rest of the T20I series to prepare for the Ashes was widely reported as a “massive relief” for the Indian batting unit.11
The young Indian opener Abhishek Sharma candidly admitted: “It would obviously be a relief. I have never faced such bowling,” highlighting the unique challenge the Australian quick posed even in the shortest format of the game.
In a T20 series designed to test Australia’s depth, Josh Hazlewood proved that a single, devastating spell of classical fast bowling could render a powerful opposition’s top-order ineffective, making his brief but spectacular presence the undeniable turning point of the series.
