Australian quick Josh Hazlewood has leapt ahead of Sri Lankan wrist-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga in the ICC’s T20I Bowling Rankings and now sits at second in the world for the format.
South African off-spinner and world number-one T20I bowler Tabraiz Shamsi narrowly leads Hazlewood, who will be rested for the remainder of his side’s five-match series against Sri Lanka, which they currently lead 3-nil.
Hazlewood’s rise has been most impressive, considering the 31-year-old was ranked as low as sixth earlier this year. The Bendemeer-native is also the second-highest ranked ODI bowler and the eighth-highest ranked Test bowler. No other player currently ranks in the top 10 for all three formats, whilst only India’s Jasprit Bumrah, New Zealand’s Tim Southee, and Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Ur Rahman appear in multiple.
Hazlewood’s versatility, strike, and consistency have long been a trademark of his bowling and few of his counterparts in world cricket are able to match his level of play. Since making his T20I debut against the West Indies in 2013, Hazlewood has taken 40 wickets in 27 matches at an average of 19.3 and an economy of 7.51.
The experienced quick will undoubtedly be a major factor in Australia’s attempt to defend their T20I World Cup crown later this year on home soil. The opening match of the tournament will be played between last year’s finalists Australia and New Zealand at the SCG.
