Josh Hazlewood is the leading wicket taker in the IPL after returning from injury lay-off
After missing most of the Test summer and the Champions Trophy a key Australian fast bowler is back to his best ahead of the World Test Championship final
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Josh Hazlewood’s resurgence after an injury interrupted Test summer has continued after he jumped to the top of the IPL’s wicket-takers list in a positive sign ahead of the World Test Championship final.
Hazlewood had managed just nine Tests since the 2023 Ashes and missed the series win over India last summer after injuring himself in the second match in Brisbane.
The 34-year-old also missed Australia’s Champions Trophy ODI campaign but returned in the IPL and in 10 matches for Royal Challengers has netted 18 wickets, the most in the tournament.
His latest effort of 2-36 helped guide RCB to win a win over Test teammate Mitchell Starc and the Delhi Capitals and strengthen his grip on the Purple Cap, awarded to the tournament’s leading wicket taker.
“We all know the world-class bowler Josh has been,” Hazlewood’s RCB captain, Virat Kohli said.
“You know, the difference for us this year is he’s been absolutely world-class. There’s a reason why he has the purple cap on his head.”
Starc has 11 wickets for the tournament, with both fast bowlers set to play key roles as Australia looks to go back-to-back in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in July.
Australia’s fast bowling stocks are overflowing with rising Victorian star Fergus O’Neill surged to be the leading wicket-taker in English county cricket in what was the last match of his four for the county.
O’Neill, 24, and Australia’s Sheffield Shield player of the season last summer, has been starring for first-division side Notts as they urged to joint-top of the first division table.
He took 21 wickets for the season, more than anyone else in either division of the championship so far this season before making his exit, with Notts keen for him to return.
“Fergie’s been outstanding, can’t talk too highly of him,” said Notts captain Haseeb Hameed.
“For a 24-year-old to come in for his first overseas stint and do what he’s done is outstanding, and the biggest thing I can say about him is that he became a leader in the group very quickly.
Originally published as Josh Hazlewood is the leading wicket taker in the IPL after returning from injury lay-off
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