Will the Veteran Pace Trio Continue Beyond the Ashes?

Sydney, Sep 9 (NationPress) Veteran Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has made it clear that the team is not considering replacing the current seasoned pace trio after the upcoming home Ashes, underscoring that the bowling unit still has a lot to contribute.

For many years, Australia’s pace trio - Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Hazlewood - have been a dominant force against opposing batters. However, as they enter their mid-to-late 30s, the end of an incredible chapter seems to be on the horizon.

Starc, now 35, has already stepped back from T20Is to focus on prolonging his Test and ODI careers with significant competitions ahead. As the Australian team prepares for the home Ashes series, this might be the last time the iconic trio faces England on Australian soil, with the next Ashes series in Australia not set for another four years.

“I don't think we're in a position now to say anything definitive, but I believe you might reflect on it at the end,” Hazlewood shared with SEN during the launch of Australia's new international team uniforms at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“I think everyone still cherishes Test cricket. There are numerous Tests coming up over the next two years. There’s another cycle of the World Test Championship, so there’s a lot still to look forward to in Test cricket, beyond just the Ashes. I believe we still have a few more matches left in us.”

Cummins will be absent from the forthcoming white-ball series against New Zealand and India as he continues to recover from a lumbar bone stress injury, aiming to be fit for the opening Ashes Test. Although he is still weeks away from returning to bowling, the Aussie captain is optimistic about his readiness. If he is not fit, Scott Boland, who is 36, is likely to fill in, but he too is nearing the end of his career.

However, concerns have been raised over Australia’s bowling depth should another key pacer like Starc, Hazlewood, or Boland be unavailable. Still, Hazlewood remains hopeful about the rising talent among young fast bowlers.

“I probably don’t want to mention specific names, but there have been many emerging from the white-ball setup in recent years. We have strong Shield bowlers across all states, and it’s simply a matter of opportunity when they get their chance in Test cricket,” the pacer remarked.

“In that arena, I believe they will perform admirably, so I don’t think there’s ever a lack of fast bowlers in Australia.”

The Ashes series is set to commence on November 21 in Perth, with Australia aiming to defend the Urn for a third consecutive series.