Thaindian News

Sydney, Jun 24 (ANI): Australia’s latest debutant pacer, Josh Hazlewood, who is often compared as next Glen McGrath, started off like a nervous teenager, but showed enough in his one-day debut in Southampton to justify his selection.

Hazlewood bowled his first ball, a low volley that England batsman Kevin Pietersen drove through the covers for four.

In all, nine runs were given off his first over and he never looked completely at ease for most of the opening game of the five-match ODI series, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

The 19 years and 165 day old Hazlewood was only called up to the national squad less than a fortnight ago.

But the right-armer started finding his range and showed the attributes that have the Australian camp so excited about his future after he took 1-41 off seven overs.

“I think they have found another one here,” said Ashes-winning England skipper Michael Vaughan.

Hazlewood has been saddled with the tag of the next Glenn McGrath for the past two years and he passed an important test in the south of England on Tuesday.

His first international wicket was a beauty. Hazlewood delivered a ball that cut back in straight through Craig Kieswetter’s defences, tilting back his middle and off stumps.

The Australians picked Hazlewood instead of Clint McKay as they expected a bit more bounce in the Rose Bowl deck and the decision came after Ponting faced him for the first time in Ireland last week.

“The nets were relatively sporting. I found it pretty hard work but look, he comes with big wraps. I know (bowling coach) Troy (Cooley) has big wraps on him,” Ponting said. (ANI)