Aakash Chopra Questions Josh Hazlewood’s Place in Australia’s World Cup 2023 Seam Attack

Former India player turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra has questioned the place of Josh Hazlewood in Australia’s seam attack for the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

Chopra pointed to Hazlewood’s poor record in Asian conditions, where he has taken only six wickets in eight matches at an average of 61. He also highlighted Hazlewood’s lackluster performance in the only ODI he has played in India, where he finished with figures of 1/55 in 9.3 overs.

Chopra’s comments have sparked a debate about Hazlewood’s suitability for the World Cup squad. Some experts have backed Chopra, arguing that Hazlewood’s struggles in Asia could be a liability in a tournament that will be played largely in India. Others have defended Hazlewood, pointing to his impressive record in other conditions and arguing that he is still a key member of Australia’s bowling attack.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to include Hazlewood in the World Cup squad will be up to Australia’s selectors. However, Chopra’s comments have certainly put Hazlewood’s place in the team under scrutiny.
Other bowlers in contention for a place in Australia’s seam attack include Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Sean Abbott, and Nathan Ellis.

Cummins and Starc are both proven performers in all conditions, while Abbott and Ellis are emerging fast bowlers who have impressed in recent years.

Australia will need to choose a balanced seam attack for the World Cup, with bowlers who can perform in both pace and spin-friendly conditions. Hazlewood is a talented bowler, but his struggles in Asia could make him a risky selection.

The selectors will have a difficult decision to make, but they will need to choose a seam attack that they believe can help Australia win the World Cup.