Josh Hazlewood, Australia’s star pacer, made a stunning and confident statement ahead of the highly anticipated Ashes Test series against England set to begin next month. Speaking after Australia’s commanding first ODI win over India at Perth’s Optus Stadium, Hazlewood expressed his strong desire to feature in all five Tests of the Ashes and play on pitches that offer the bounce and pace similar to those he enjoyed in Perth.

Hazlewood missed many Test matches in recent years, except for the 2023-24 home summer when he played all five Tests. Now back in form and fitness, he is confident about maintaining his physical condition to endure the rigors of a full five-match Ashes series. “That's the life of a fast bowler, everyone is carrying some sort of niggle. My body feels great right now. I am very confident of getting through all five without any dramas,” Hazlewood said.

In the first ODI against India, Hazlewood was sensational, picking up key wickets of Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer in a seven-over spell where he conceded just 20 runs. He praised the Perth pitch, saying it white offered some “nice bounce and pace” that served the Australian bowlers well, allowing them to apply pressure with wickets at crucial moments. The pacer hopes to encounter a similar pitch for the opening Ashes Test as it would help the Australian bowling attack, which thrives on pace variation and bounce.

The Ashes series is particularly significant with regular captain Pat Cummins sidelined due to a back injury, making Hazlewood’s form and fitness vital for Australia’s hopes of maintaining their dominance at home, having not lost a Test to England on Australian soil in 15 years.

Hazlewood’s statement highlights both his personal readiness and the tactical preference for pitches that challenge batsmen with extra bounce—conditions that historically have favored the Australian pace battery.