T20 World Cup 2021: Getting a run of games in T20 cricket before World Cup has been perfect preparation – Josh Hazlewood

Australia’s experienced fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has expressed confidence that he has prepared in a perfect manner after getting a good run of games in T20 cricket in the Indian Premier League 2021. Hazlewood delivered for Chennai Super Kings and played a key role in helping the team lift their fourth IPL title.

The fast bowler scalped 11 wickets in nine matches and revived his T20 career. Hazlewood, who is known for his accurate bowling in Test cricket, conceded his runs at an economy rate of 8.37 in the tournament. The right-arm fast bowler has certainly improved his T20 skills and he was also able to nail the yorkers in IPL 2021.

Furthermore, Hazlewood bowled a fine spell of 2-29 in his four overs against Kolkata Knight Riders in the final. Hazlewood has all the experience under his bag and he would look to make the most of it in the T20 World Cup.

“It’s been perfect preparation. Just getting a run of games in T20 cricket, leading up to a World Cup. The conditions … it’s quite hot. It was a very experienced team and great to be around in T20, which I haven’t played a lot of. To learn a lot on the run (was good), it was pretty exciting the other night to win the final,” Hazlewood said, as quoted by Perth Now.

Hazlewood added that he feels more confident in his role after an impressive run for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2021. The 30-year old will look to bring his best for the national team.

“I feel pretty confident in my role now. It’s a pretty similar role, whether it’s for Chennai or Australia. A couple of overs up front then a couple at the end. Every game is different in the T20 format and you learn a lot from each game. You can never dominate T20 cricket as a bowler.”

Australia will play two warm-up matches against New Zealand and India. The Men in Yellow are yet to savor success in the T20 World Cup and they would aim to go all the way. Aaron Finch-led team will begin their World Cup campaign against South Africa on Saturday.