Josh Hazlewood thinks Pakistan more settled than Australia

The right-arm pacer said the time he has spent off the field has helped him freshen up

Australia right-arm bowler Josh Hazlewood on Tuesday agreed with Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur’s statement that the visitors are the more settled side in Tests.

Hazlewood, during a video interview with ESPNcricinfo, said Australia have had more ‘new faces’ coming into the Test side during the last 12 months than Pakistan.



“I think they have had the same squad for the last 12 months,” he said. “We’ve had a few more new faces than them. So, I guess that is probably a fair statement.”

The 25-year-old also feels the experience of veterans Younus Khan and Misbahul Haq help Pakistan's younger lot in Australia.

“I think it’s still their experience, you know Younus and Misbah,” said Hazlewood. “They didn’t have a good time in New Zealand but you know they are really experienced players. And I think the younger guys look to them to lead the way, especially in Australia where most of them haven’t toured before.”



Pakistan, in their only day-night tour match, beat Cricket Australia XI by 201 runs, courtesy some good bowling performances from their pacers.

Hazlewood thinks the batsmen would have learned a lot by batting under lights.

“Their batsmen definitely struggled [at Cairns],” he said. “But they will get a lot out of that game moving forward. It’s good for them to get their practice under lights in humid conditions. So, that will be better for them.”

Moreover, Hazlewood said Pakistani bowlers will also enjoy the extra bounce and pace on offer at The Gabba during the first Test.

"It’s going to be a great chance for their top order as many of them haven’t played here in Test matches. It’s good to be at Gabba first up, which is a nice quick one hopefully. I think their bowlers will enjoy [it], they have a great bowling unit — a couple of great left-armers and a great spinner too. They’ll definitely enjoy the extra bounce and pace.”

The right-arm pacer also talked about his fitness and said that the time he has spent off the field has helped him freshen up.

“I am feeling really good. It all goes back to resting in that South African series. I got some good time off the field, gym wise, fitness wise, and we think we are seeing the benefits of that,” he said.