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‘Trying Not To Look Too Pretty’ - Josh Hazlewood After Record Partnership In NZ Vs AUS 1st Test

Cameron Green and Josh Hazlewood on Day 2 of Wellington Test (x.com)Cameron Green and Josh Hazlewood on Day 2 of Wellington Test (x.com)

All-rounder Cameron Green and number 11 batsman Josh Hazlewood added a staggering 116 runs to Australia’s first innings total on Day 2 of their Wellington Test. The two had formed forces at the brink of stumps on Day 1 when the visitors had slipped to 267-9.

Green pounded three boundaries in the final over of the day to get to his second Test century, and built upon his overnight score to take Australia to a monumental 383 by the following morning.

The charismatic all-rounder remained unbeaten till the end with a career-best 174 to his name, while Hazlewood played the supporting role in their rearguard partnership with 22 cautious runs.

After their record-shattering tenth-wicket stand, Hazlewood spoke about his mindset as a tailender and also reflected his gameplan with Green for holding off the New Zealand bowlers.

Josh Hazlewood reflects mindset as a tailender

Giving insights on his approach as a number 11 batter, Josh Hazlewood stated that one needs to realise their own scoring options. The 33-year-old also signified the importance of a good defence for a tailender and to have an option prepared for tackling short deliveries. Speaking after the close of play on Day 2, Hazlewood said:

“I think sometimes you can work too much on it and try and be a batsman, and look like a batsman. I just don't think that's when the tail's at its most potent. Everyone's got to have their scoring options and obviously keep the good ball out when it's at the stumps and have an option for the short ball, but it's as simple as that I think. It's just having a couple of options to score, a good defense, and trying not to look too pretty I think.”

Josh Hazlewood also praised all-rounder and centurion Cameon Green after their record-breaking 116-run partnership for the final wicket. The Australian speedster added:

“We were just thinking basically about the game. Where we were at and working out the four or five balls an over that Greeny was taking, and then he could target down breeze and a certain bowler. It's all those little things you talk through, and then all of a sudden we're 50 partnership, then 100 and geez, we're up near 400 so things just tick along when you're batting. Greeny's nice to have a hit with.”

The partnership extended Australia’s first innings total to 383 after they were reduced to 211-7 at one stage. Josh Hazlewood also delivered timely strikes with the ball later in the day by accounting for the key New Zealand wickets of Rachin Ravindra and well-set Glenn Phillips.

Hazlewood’s double strike, coupled with Nathan Lyon’s scintillating four-fer kept New Zealand down at 179 in their first innings.