Hazlewood: 'I bring a bowler's perspective to vice-captaincy'

Pacer Josh Hazlewood said the team has been focussed on its preparations for the Australia vs India series and would give it all.

Josh Hazlewood believes vice-captaincy will not have an impact on his bowling.

Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh were in September appointed as Australia's first joint Test vice-captains in a bid to rejig the leadership group that had come under the scanner after the ball-tampering incident in South Africa.

While making a pacer vice-captain maybe a major departure from the norm, at least at the elite levels of Australian cricket, Hazlewood said he is just "there to provide a different perspective."

"I was honoured to be named as a vice-captain. That said, the team is not difficult to lead as all players are taking a sense of ownership and responsibility," Hazlewood told Sportstar .

A tall line and length bowler, Hazlewood has often been likened to Australian great Glenn McGrath for his uncomplicated action.

 

In December 2016, he became only the fourth Australian to reach a 100 Test wickets aged 25 or under.

Two years later, he completes a full-blooded pace trio which includes Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.

Asked if vice-captaincy could affect his bowling, Hazlewood said, "No, I don't feel so. My job includes helping the captain with the bowler's perspective. I don’t think that will impact my ability to concentrate on my game."

Australia has endured a torrid time of late, on and off the field but Hazlewood insists the team remains upbeat ahead of an all-important series against India.

READ| Usual 'Australian way' and the new crop, not a natural fit?

"We are excited about the series and will give it our all. There has been a lot of off field dramas but the team is staying focused on developing a game plan we feel comfortable with.

"Morale is good and we are looking forward to coming together in preparation for the first Test. We will play good, strong cricket," he said.

There has been plenty of talk about young India opener Prithvi Shaw touring Australia for the first time. And despite not having played a match Down Under,  the Mumbai teenager's reputation precedes him.

"I haven’t seen much of him but I am aware that he (Shaw) is a child prodigy. I look forward to playing him," Hazlewood signed off.