Josh Hazlewood 'nervous' over Australia's World Cup squad call

Players across the world are currently focussed on the upcoming World Cup and whether they will make it to the mega-event or not. Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is not an exception either as he admitted to being nervous over the World Cup selection. The right-arm pacer, who was part of the squad that won the World Cup four years, also confirmed that he is fit as he waits to learn his fate when Australia announce the squad later this week.

Hazlewood has not played an international game since the final Test against India in Sydney in January. A back injury had then ruled him out of the Test series against Sri Lanka at home and the subsequent ODI series against India and Pakistan. In his absence, the likes of Pat Cummins, Jhye Richardson and Nathan Coulter-Nile have done exceedingly well, helping the world champions win series in India and the UAE.

There are also rumours suggesting that the Australian selectors might be tempted to keep Hazlewood fresh for the Ashes which will start immediately after the World Cup. The injury-prone pacer is an integral part of the Test team and Australia will be desperate to have him at his best when they take on England to defend their Ashes trophy this summer. However, Hazlewood is in no mood to give the World Cup a miss although he admitted that there might be chances.

“There’s nerves, as there always is before a team is selected for a big tournament. There’s probably 20 plus guys who think they’re a really good chance of making it. It’s a good position to be in for Australian cricket. I’ve started bowling, I’m off a couple of steps at the moment, so that will start to ramp up pretty quickly through late April and into May. I’ve done a lot of work, rehab wise, running wise, gym wise. Everything should be fine,” he was quoted as saying by The Herald Sun.

World Cup important for Ashes:

Hazlewood also said that playing the World Cup is important as it will benefit the players to do well in the Ashes. “To be fit and ready for that first Ashes Test you have to have a lot of bowling under your belt anyway,” he said.

“There can’t be a better spot to do that than in a World Cup. One day cricket, a couple of games a week for five or six weeks is probably perfect prep in terms of body load. Hopefully, I’m there and we can hold on to the trophy,” he added.

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