Hazlewood Recall Could Break Starc's Record: Gillespie's Bold WTC Final Prediction
Will Hazlewood's Return Rewrite Australian Bowling History?
The World Test Championship (WTC) Final looms large, and former Australian pace legend Jason Gillespie has dropped a bombshell prediction that could shake up the Australian attack and rewrite the record books. Gillespie is adamant that Josh Hazlewood must be brought back into the side, even if it means potentially jeopardizing Mitchell Starc's impressive streak of consecutive Test appearances.
For years, Starc has been a mainstay of the Australian bowling lineup, his express pace and left-arm angle providing a crucial dimension. His consistent selection has seen him rack up a remarkable record of consecutive Test matches played. However, Gillespie believes that the unique skillset Hazlewood brings to the table – his accuracy, control, and ability to consistently hit a nagging length – is too valuable to ignore, especially on the seaming pitches expected at Lord's.
The Dilemma: Records vs. Results
Gillespie’s assertion isn't simply a call for Hazlewood's inclusion; it’s a calculated risk. Bringing Hazlewood back would almost certainly mean dropping Starc, potentially ending his run of consecutive appearances. This is a significant consideration for the Australian selectors, who are always mindful of player morale and the importance of maintaining a settled team environment. However, Gillespie argues that the potential reward – a more potent and balanced attack – outweighs the risk.
Why Hazlewood is Crucial for Lord’s
Lord's is renowned for its challenging seam-bowling conditions. Hazlewood, with his unwavering accuracy and ability to extract subtle movement, is ideally suited to exploit these conditions. His ability to consistently bowl in a corridor of uncertainty would trouble even the most accomplished batsmen. While Starc's raw pace is undeniable, Hazlewood's control and consistency offer a different, and arguably more effective, weapon in the arsenal.
Starc's Perspective and the Selection Panel's Headache
The decision won't be easy. Starc is a proven performer and a key member of the Australian team. Dropping him would be a difficult conversation, but Gillespie's argument highlights the need for strategic selection based on conditions and opposition. The Australian selection panel will be weighing up several factors, including form, fitness, and the specific demands of the Lord's pitch. They'll also be considering the potential impact on team dynamics.
Gillespie's Confidence and the WTC Final Stakes
Gillespie's prediction is a testament to his unwavering belief in Hazlewood's abilities and his desire to see Australia field the strongest possible attack. The WTC Final represents a golden opportunity for Australia to claim the ultimate prize in Test cricket, and Gillespie believes that bringing Hazlewood back is a crucial step towards achieving that goal. Whether his prediction proves correct remains to be seen, but it has certainly ignited the debate and added another layer of intrigue to the build-up to the final.
The question now isn't just whether Hazlewood will play, but whether his inclusion will come at the expense of Starc's record, and ultimately, Australia's chances of lifting the WTC trophy.
