Josh Hazlewood

It won't be wrong to define Josh Hazlewood as the modern day adaptation of the legendary Glenn McGrath. The similarity isn't hard to make out - smooth run up to the crease with the intention being accuracy more than raw pace. The agenda would more often than not be an unerring fourth or fifth stump line with a bit of swing or seam to boot. Almost the classical fast bowler. Although not in the league of McGrath yet, there is no doubt that Hazlewood would be among the best pacers to have graced the game by the time he hangs up his boots.

Such was Hazlewood's talent from his early years that he landed a First-class debut at the age of 17 in the 2008-09 season, making him the youngest fast bowler ever to play for New South Wales. Gradually, he got initiated into the other formats in the domestic circuit and also got a surprise ODI debut in 2010 although it took another three years for him to play another 50-over game. Being young and raw,

Hazlewood clearly was a work in progress but the selectors were keeping an eye on him. A strong 2013-14 home season saw him come of age and it was only a matter of time before he took international cricket by storm.