Aussies call up Hazlewood
Australia has called up teenage pace bowler Josh Hazlewood for the Test match series against India.
Hazlewood is only 19-years-old and has only played six first class matches in his whole career. It's a big risk on the part of the Australian selectors but Hazlewood has been tipped by many pundits as leading the next generation of Australian fast bowlers.
Australia are suffering a few injury problems that could greatly damage their chances of success in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750. It will be very important for the side to play good cricket in Asia as they will swiftly return to try and win back the Ashes from England.
Hazlewood has many qualities that should ensure he does well if he is picked to play in India. However, India is one of the most intimidating places to go and play cricket and it could all be a little too much for the youngster.
Playing qualities
Hazlewood's biggest asset is his pace. He is a very raw and youthful bowler that possesses a very fast arm. This allows him to bowl the ball at speeds in excess of 90 miles per hour.
He's not afraid to have a few words in the batsman's ear and this will be to his advantage if he plays in India. The Indians always try and intimidate players from other countries when they are on tour in India. Hazlewood can effectively counter attack and this can rub off in a positive way on the rest of the team.
He will be very enthusiastic because he is so young. This means he'll be chomping at the bit to bowl at the likes of Sehwag and Tendulkar. It will be a very good learning curve for him as http://www.senore.com/Cricket/A-Young-c41367 cricket player and one he'll want to get stuck in to quickly.
National selector Andrew Hilditch said: "The squad we have selected sees the return from injury of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Phillip-Hughes-c2185 and includes a very good mix of experience and new young talent with Steven Smith, Hughes and two young fast bowlers in Peter George and Josh Hazlewood."
Less than ideal
A tour of India represents a less than ideal start for Hazlewood. He would have been hoping to start his Test career as soon as possible but in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 where he is more suited to the conditions.
This would have given him the best chance of hitting the ground running. If he bowls poorly in India then he will get smashed to all parts and the Indian public will show no hesitation in getting on top of him. This is dangerous because younger players don't have the mentality needed to take a lot of criticism in the middle of an away tour.
Hilditch added: "All these exciting young players have the potential to have a big impact in international cricket for many years and we are confident they will all equip themselves well if the opportunity presents itself on this tour."
Betting advice
Avoid backing Hazlewood at any point during the Indian series. Indian pitches don't always suit fast bowlers and although Hazlewood may pick up a few wickets, it's unlikely that he'll manage to take five wickets during an innings.
Also be a little wary of backing the Aussie team to win in India. They are a side going through transition and will find it difficult to get a result in the hostile environment of India. A draw will probably be the best that they can hope for, which is not the sort of preparation they'll be hoping for with the
Ashes now just three months away.
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