Hazlewood Gears Up for Ashes Challenge, Hails England’s Batting Line-up as ‘Unbelievable’

Hazlewood Gears Up for Ashes Challenge, Hails England’s Batting Line-up as ‘Unbelievable’

Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is preparing for what he expects to be the toughest English batting line-up he's faced in an Ashes series, as the two teams gear up for their latest battle beginning this November in Perth.

Speaking at a promotional event for Play Cricket Week, Hazlewood praised England’s top order as “unbelievable” and said their current crop of batters, led by Joe Root and Harry Brook, could pose the strongest threat of any English touring side during his career.

“The top seven have done really well... so it’s a challenge,” Hazlewood said. “Joe’s probably in the form of his life, and a fresh face like Harry Brook might actually find it easier in Australia, coming in without any baggage.”

Keeping the Engine Warm

Hazlewood, who featured in five of the six white-ball matches against South Africa recently, is expected to skip on-field duties in September. However, he’s eager to stay in rhythm ahead of the Ashes, blending red and white-ball appearances to maintain bowling fitness.

“The best way for me to go about it is just to keep ticking over, keep playing,” he explained. “If I can stay up there at match intensity, that’s the best preparation.”

The 34-year-old plans to play a Sheffield Shield match in the lead-up to the first Test, though scheduling may limit his red-ball outings. New South Wales face Victoria in the fourth round of the Shield beginning November 10 — a date which may cut close to the opening Test in Perth.

Still, Hazlewood is keen to get at least one long-form game under his belt.

“Time on the field, multiple spells in a day — it’s hard to replicate that at training,” he noted. “To get that before a Test series is pretty pivotal.”

High Praise for England's Batting Core

Hazlewood played four Tests during the 2023 Ashes series and saw England's new aggressive style firsthand. But what has impressed him most is the evolution of their approach — particularly in their recent series against India, where they showed signs of tactical flexibility.

He singled out Harry Brook, currently the world’s No. 2 Test batter, and Joe Root, who despite struggling to convert starts in Australia, remains a key threat. Root averages 35.68 from 14 Tests in Australia and has yet to score a century on Australian soil.

“[Brook] will adapt. He’s a good player and he’s up the rankings for a reason,” Hazlewood said. “Root came out against a different attack years ago... now he’s in incredible form. They’ll be a tough line-up to contain.”

Asked if this was the strongest England batting unit to tour Australia during his tenure, Hazlewood responded emphatically:

“Yeah, definitely.”

Looking Ahead

Before the Ashes, Australia will play a three-match T20I series against New Zealand in early October, followed by limited-overs fixtures against India. While the workloads for Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc are still being managed, Hazlewood appears determined to keep himself match-ready.

Having played all four Tests on the Caribbean tour earlier this year, Hazlewood feels fit and in rhythm — but believes red-ball match practice remains essential to hit peak form.

“I used it last year before the India series and found it very beneficial,” he said. “It’s what gets me ready for the Test grind.”

Ashes 2025-26 – Key Dates to Watch:

  • 1st Test: November (Date TBC) – Perth

  • Lead-up Red-Ball Matches: Sheffield Shield Rounds in October-November

  • Warm-Up Fixtures: T20I vs New Zealand (October), India ODIs/T20Is (October-November)