2nd ODI Thriller: Can Hazlewood Fire Australia’s Comeback?

The Mackay Showdown: A Must-Win for Australia and a Test for Josh Hazlewood

The pressure is palpable as Australia heads into a do-or-die second One-Day International against South Africa in Mackay. After a demoralizing 98-run defeat in the series opener, the home side finds itself on the brink of a series loss on home soil. While the batting lineup's collapse was a major concern, the focus now shifts to Australia's premier fast bowler, Josh Hazlewood, who holds the key to the team's fortunes.

Despite being a consistent performer for Australia across all formats and a key member of their World Cup-winning campaigns in 2015 and 2023, Hazlewood had a quiet return to ODI cricket in the first match in Cairns, going wicketless in his 8 overs. This 2nd ODI is not just a match for Australia; it's a personal test for Hazlewood to reassert his dominance and lead the bowling attack from the front.

The Cairns Performance: A Rusty Return

Hazlewood’s return to the ODI side after an eight-month layoff, during which he was sidelined due to injury and rested for the ICC Champions Trophy, was less than ideal. In the first ODI in Cairns, he was tasked with sharing the new ball with Ben Dwarshuis but struggled to find his rhythm. He finished with figures of 0/36 from eight overs, unable to make the early inroads that have become his trademark. While his economy was decent, the lack of wickets in a high-scoring encounter was a significant factor in Australia’s defeat.

The contrast with South Africa’s bowling attack was stark. The Proteas' left-arm spinner, Keshav Maharaj, delivered a career-best 5/33, completely dismantling Australia's middle order. With the series on the line, the onus is on Australia’s frontline pace attack to step up, and all eyes are on Hazlewood to provide the initial breakthroughs that can put the South African batsmen on the back foot.

The Mackay Pitch: A Chance for the Quickies?

The venue for the second ODI is the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, which has not hosted a men's ODI since 1992. However, it has been the venue for three Women's ODIs between Australia and India in 2021, and all three matches were won by the team bowling second. The pitch is known to be a good batting surface, with an average first-innings score of around 280-290. This suggests that a high-scoring encounter is on the cards.

While the pitch may seem to favour batters, the big square boundaries at the venue could offer an advantage to bowlers who can vary their pace and length. This is where a bowler of Hazlewood’s class comes into play. Known for his impeccable line, nagging length, and subtle seam movement, he can exploit the conditions and force the batters into making mistakes. His ability to hit the "fourth stump line" consistently will be a crucial weapon on this pitch.

The Game-Changer Role: Hazlewood's Impact

Josh Hazlewood is not just a bowler; he is a game-changer. His presence provides a calming influence on the field, and his ability to bowl maidens and build pressure from one end allows other bowlers to attack. His career stats against South Africa are impressive, with 28 wickets in 17 ODIs at an average of 27.07. His best figures against the Proteas are 5/31, a performance he will be eager to replicate.

For Australia to level the series, they need to:

1. Take Early Wickets: South Africa's top order, led by Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma, is in fine form. Hazlewood's initial burst with the new ball will be critical in breaking their momentum.
2. Control the Middle Overs: While Adam Zampa will be the primary spinner, Hazlewood's consistent pressure in the middle overs will be essential to prevent South Africa from accelerating.
3. Be a Lethal Death-Over Bowler: With his accuracy and ability to bowl tight lines, Hazlewood can be a weapon in the death overs, restricting the flow of runs and picking up crucial wickets.

The Road to a Comeback

The series is on the line, and the pressure is on Australia's key players to deliver. While the spotlight is often on the batters, it is the bowlers who win you matches in limited-overs cricket. Josh Hazlewood has the skill, experience, and temperament to be that match-winner for Australia. His performance in this 2nd ODI will not only decide the fate of the series but also re-establish his reputation as one of the most feared fast bowlers in the world. All eyes will be on him as he looks to fire Australia's comeback in what promises to be a thrilling encounte