Sydney, Nov 8 (NationPress) Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is preparing for the crucial Ashes series, which kicks off on November 21. He expressed that he feels he is ‘in the best shape in a long time’ ahead of the initial Test slated to take place at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

With 295 Test wickets to his name before the Ashes, Hazlewood is targeting the milestone of 300 wickets in the series opener. The 34-year-old is set to shoulder significant responsibility, leading the pace attack in the absence of the regular captain, Pat Cummins, who is sidelined due to a stress fracture during recovery.

Nonetheless, Hazlewood feels confident in his current form and anticipates performing well in the series.

“I feel in the best shape I've been in a long time. Over the past four to five years, I’ve gained a lot of confidence. My statistics reflect that. Staying fit has been challenging, especially since the COVID pandemic,” he remarked to reporters on Saturday.

The New South Wales (NSW) bowler also responded subtly to remarks from the English media, which referred to the Australian squad as ‘Dad’s Army’ due to the players' average age. Interestingly, Cameron Green is the only player below 30 among the 15 selected for the squad.

Hazlewood appeared unfazed by these comments, praising the camaraderie among the players, emphasizing their tendency to support each other when ‘the rhythm’s not quite there.’

“We rely on each other during play, knowing each other's game intimately and assisting one another. There will undoubtedly come a time when the team is considered too old, but I believe that time is not now. We have been together for a significant period, taken many wickets, and enjoyed wonderful moments off the field. We understand each other well enough to lift each other when needed,” he stated.