England's 'flat' wicket request for Ashes surprises Josh Hazlewood
There has been much speculation about the pitches that will be used for the five-match Test series that England will host. England's captain, Ben Stokes, has stated that his team has made it clear that they prefer quick, flat surfaces for the Ashes.
Khan Mutasim Billah LifeEditor
Posted - 2023-06-13T10:11:54+06:00
Updated - 2023-06-13T10:11:54+06:00
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood thinks England's plan to set up a batting track is risky. England's aggressive batting style fits very well with the 'Bazball' strategy if played on a flat pitch. But if he were England, Hazlewood says he'd work to create a bowler-friendly surface to challenge the tourists.
There has been much speculation about the pitches that will be used for the five-match Test series that England will host. England's captain, Ben Stokes, has stated that his team has made it clear that they prefer quick, flat surfaces for the Ashes.
"It surprised me when (Stokes made his pitch request). It might have been a furphy, who knows. But if I am England, I am probably going the opposite way. You are probably going green wickets that are doing a fair bit, and then back yourself to make more runs than us on those types of wickets. They come to Australia, and the wickets are harder, flatter, and faster. And we've seen the results," Josh Hazlewood told AAP.
Injuries have plagued Josh Hazlewood for a while now. The 32-year-old was substituted in the lineup prior to the just completed WTC final due to a side strain. However, Hazlewood is expected to be fit for the Ashes.
The first of the five-match Ashes series will go all guns blazing from June 16 onwards. The Ashes opener will kick off at Edgbaston.