Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood had a fantastic game against India in the second T20I of the five-match series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as he finished with figures of 3/13 in his four overs at an economy rate of 3.20. He was adjudged the Player of the Match. In the post-match presentation ceremony he said that he focused on doing the basics right on a pitch that offered assistance to the quicks.
“The ball feels like it’s coming out nicely at the moment, in whatever format I’m playing,” he said. “So, not much needed to change on a wicket like that – there’s enough there for all the quicks. Just about putting the ball in the right areas, not trying too much, and seeing what happens. Not a lot different, really. My approach here and there, as always, everything’s improving.”
Hazlewood’s accuracy in line and length, combined with his ability to extract extra bounce off the pitch played an important role in Australia’s victory in Melbourne as the hosts went one up in the series.
The 34-year-old made the first blow as he dismissed Shubman Gill, who struggled in his short stay at the crease. The Indian vice-captain tried to loft the ball over mid-off but was caught by Australian captain Mitchell Marsh. Hazlewood produced an absolute beauty to remove Suryakumar Yadav. The Indian captain could not handle the short of a length ball that nipped away and edged it to the wicketkeeper Josh Inglis. Hazlewood’s last wicket of the match came in the form of Tilak Varma, who tried to sweep him, but the ball took the edge and was caught by Inglis.
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