Hazlewood shatters contenders

JOSH Hazlewood sent an ominous warning to England yesterday, but at the same time sparked panic in the Australian selection room.

In what was his first proper hit-out since breaking down with a side strain in Bangladesh back in August, Hazlewood scorched through the Western Australia top order at Hurstville Oval, taking a blistering 3-3 for NSW in his opening spell.

The only problem for the Australian hierarchy is the three victims he knocked over in three successive overs were arguably the three leading candidates for the vacant No.6 spot – Shaun Marsh (2), Hilton Cartwright (0) and Mitchell Marsh (0) – setting the search almost back to scratch.

Darren Lehmann’s son Jake is the only contender with a century from the opening two rounds of Sheffield Shield, with it becoming increasingly apparent there may not be six Test-quality batsmen in the country.

Cartwright, with a first-class average of 50, is still considered the frontrunner, but trapped plumb in front by Hazlewood was not the way he wanted to handle a tailormade audition facing up to Australia’s all-star pace attack.

Asked if he had to apologise to selectors for the damage caused, Hazlewood said he was just pleased to rediscover his rhythm so quickly after a couple of months out.

“I guess it just happened that way. A couple of decent ones there to Mitch and Hilton and nipping back in, but that happens,” said Hazlewood.