Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has revisited the memorable pink-ball Test in Adelaide in 2020, where India faced a historic collapse, being bowled out for just 36 runs. Hazlewood, who was instrumental in dismantling the Indian batting lineup with a five-wicket haul, shared his thoughts on the strategies and moments that defined the match.
Australia’s dominance with the ball, especially from their pace trio, ensured an eight-wicket victory in the series opener. However, Hazlewood will miss the upcoming pink-ball Test in the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to a side strain.
The Magic of Line and Length
Reflecting on the 2020 Test, Hazlewood revealed that his approach was straightforward—focus on accuracy rather than trying anything extravagant. “I came on as the first change bowler, and they just kept edging everything. There wasn’t a grand plan; I was just trying to hit the right length and maintain pressure,” Hazlewood said in an interview with cricket.com.au.
Hazlewood emphasized that the collapse unfolded naturally as India, already reeling at 3 for 15, struggled against the relentless precision of the Australian bowlers.
Bowling in a Tough Phase
The pacer acknowledged that the situation wasn’t ideal for bowling, with India holding a lead after the first innings. “Bowling in the second innings with the opposition having a lead is always challenging. You want to attack and take wickets but also avoid conceding too many runs. Fortunately, everything clicked that day,” Hazlewood remarked.
Key Wickets in the Collapse
Among the wickets Hazlewood claimed, Ajinkya Rahane’s stood out as a significant breakthrough, given his strong record in Australia. “Rahane was a key wicket in that series. It was the fifth ball of my first over, and I didn’t need to do anything extraordinary. The pink ball was moving enough on its own,” Hazlewood said.
Another memorable moment was his dismissal of Ravichandran Ashwin, which marked his 200th Test wicket. “Ashwin’s dismissal was a fine edge, but there was a noise, and I was on a hat-trick. That milestone made the celebration extra special,” he added.
Breaking the Resistance
Hazlewood also highlighted the importance of dismissing Hanuma Vihari, who was batting with the tail. “Getting Vihari out was crucial as it exposed the tail. Even though India had a modest lead, a recognized batter could have prolonged the innings. Removing him made it easier to clean up the rest,” he explained.
Hazlewood’s Legacy in the Pink-Ball Format
While Hazlewood will not feature in the upcoming pink-ball Test, his performance in the 2020 Adelaide match remains a benchmark for precision and impact in day-night Tests. His ability to exploit conditions and maintain pressure is a testament to his class as a premier fast bowler.
India’s infamous collapse in that Test continues to serve as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by the pink ball and Australia’s relentless bowling attack.
