Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood reflected on his remarkable five-wicket haul during India’s infamous 36 all-out in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide in the 2020-21 series. As the two teams gear up for another day-night clash in Adelaide for the second Test of the current series, memories of that historic day in Indian cricket have resurfaced.
The 2020-21 pink-ball Test in Adelaide, which marked the series opener, saw India start strong with a 53-run first-innings lead. However, their fortunes drastically changed in the second innings when they were bowled out for their lowest-ever Test score of 36 in just 21.2 overs. Speaking about that innings and his performance, Hazlewood shared with cricket.com.au:
“I remember coming on as the first change. They just kept nicking everything. I didn’t really plan it. I was just trying to hit the length. We were off to a good start – they were 3 for 15 – so I was trying to apply the pressure and keep it going, not trying to do anything fancy, just hitting the line and length.”
He further added:
“They were a couple of wickets down overnight, and I don’t think I bowled that night. Then we came back the next day- it’s the toughest time to bowl when you’re in the second innings and they’ve got a lead, so you’re trying to attack and take wickets, while not leaking runs. It’s a tough little period of bowling, so I guess things just fell into place that way.”
India’s dramatic collapse set Australia a target of just 90 runs, which they comfortably chased down in 21 overs with eight wickets to spare.
Josh Hazlewood Recalls Each Wicket From His Match-Winning Spell
Following Pat Cummins’ dismissal of the first three batters during India’s 36 all-out, Josh Hazlewood claimed five of the next six wickets in the 2020-21 Adelaide Test. The 33-year-old dismissed Mayank Agarwal, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Wriddhiman Saha, and Ravichandran Ashwin in a devastating five-over spell.
“Rahane was a pretty big wicket in that series, particularly in Australia. He’s a good player. It was the fifth ball of the first over, so I wasn’t trying to do anything special.”
“The pink ball was doing enough on its own. (Ashwin’s wicket) It wasn’t a big nick, but there was definitely a noise. That was my 200th wicket – a very fine nick. I guess I was on a hat-trick, so I celebrated that one a bit more,” said Hazlewood.
He further concluded:
“(Vihari’s wicket) It was the sort of situation where a batter was batting with the tail. At that stage, even though they had only scored 80-odd runs (lead), if the recognized batter gets on a roll with the strike, the innings can drag out. So, it’s always good to get the established batter out and leave two tail-enders together.”
Following Pat Cummins’ dismissal of the first three batters during India’s 36 all-out, Josh Hazlewood claimed five of the next six wickets in the 2020-21 Adelaide Test. The 33-year-old dismissed Mayank Agarwal, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Wriddhiman Saha, and Ravichandran Ashwin in a devastating five-over spell.
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