Josh Hazlewood Road to WTC Final Through IPL 2025
As the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 looms closer, Australia’s seasoned pacer Josh Hazlewood has been making the most of the IPL stage to prepare himself both mentally and physically. With the WTC Final against South Africa set to begin on June 11 at Lord’s, Hazlewood is using the IPL 2025 as a vital platform to fine-tune his skills and gain match fitness.
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1. IPL 2025 – A Crucial Warm-up Ground for Hazlewood
Hazlewood returned to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) XI after a significant layoff but made an instant impact. In RCB’s qualifier match against Punjab Kings, he claimed three wickets, underlining not just his match readiness but also the value of game time before the WTC Final.
The Australian pacer shared his thoughts in the post-match press conference, highlighting how important it was for him to be out in the middle, rather than just preparing through net sessions.
“I’ve got to be bowling, wherever I am in the world. I’ve got to be bowling, getting ready for that game anyway, so there’s no better place than out in the middle,” Hazlewood said.
2. Match Intensity in IPL Mirroring Test Cricket Preparation
Hazlewood stressed that the intensity of IPL games offers a perfect simulation of pressure moments he is likely to face at Lord’s in the WTC final. Unlike the misconception that T20 and Test cricket require vastly different approaches, Hazlewood explained that he doesn’t need to make too many adjustments to his bowling lengths.
“I don’t bowl too much differently in Test match cricket than tonight, so it’s still that hard length,” he added.
This reveals how Hazlewood views his role as a bowler who relies more on accuracy, discipline, and consistency, traits that are just as vital in Tests as they are in T20s.
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3. Building Rhythm Through Continuous Bowling
One of the core challenges for pacers heading into long-format cricket after breaks is building rhythm. Hazlewood acknowledged this and emphasized that actual match play is far superior to training alone when it comes to building the necessary bowling rhythm.
He pointed out that while net sessions and physical workload are necessary to prepare for the rigors of Test cricket, the real intensity comes only through competitive matches—which is exactly what the IPL provides in abundance.
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4. WTC Final in Sight – Australia Eyeing Title Defence
Hazlewood is part of the Australian squad that will take on South Africa at Lord’s from June 11 in the second-ever ICC World Test Championship Final. Australia, the defending champions, will be aiming to retain their title, and Hazlewood’s form will be crucial, especially in English conditions that historically favor his seam and swing bowling style.
Given his experience and composure, his spell could be game-changing, especially in the opening overs with the new ball.
5. Calm Leadership and RCB’s Bowling Unit Success
Hazlewood also spoke about the synergy and balance within the RCB bowling unit, which has been one of the franchise’s strongest departments this season. He credited fellow pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for his influence, especially in setting the tone for younger bowlers.
“It obviously helps having Bhuvi with so much experience, quite a calm customer, so that sort of rubs off on the rest of the attack.”
Hazlewood sees himself in a similar mold as Bhuvneshwar—relaxed, focused, and composed under pressure. These qualities have helped bring clarity to the group, creating an environment where bowlers know their roles and trust each other.
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6. Passing on Experience to Younger Bowlers
The Australian veteran noted that the younger bowlers in the RCB squad have benefited from being around experienced campaigners. Hazlewood believes that the calm and strategic approach he and Bhuvneshwar bring has been infectious.
“Maybe a few of the younger guys in the attack have picked up on that and taken it into their own game.”
He further emphasized the importance of clear planning and execution, especially during crunch moments like the death overs or high-pressure chases.
7. The Road to IPL 2025 Final – Confidence Booster
RCB has enjoyed a stellar run in IPL 2025 and will now play the final in Ahmedabad on June 3. Hazlewood’s performance leading up to this big finale not only boosts RCB’s chances of lifting the IPL trophy but also puts him in a perfect mindset heading into the WTC Final.
Every over he bowls in the high-pressure environment of the IPL final will be another step forward in preparing for the big challenge awaiting him at Lord’s.
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8. Hazlewood’s Dual Mission – IPL Glory and WTC Triumph
Hazlewood is currently on a dual mission—to help RCB win their maiden IPL title and to lead Australia’s pace attack to another Test championship victory. His smart use of IPL as a prelude to the WTC final highlights his cricketing maturity and understanding of how elite preparation works.
In the IPL, he sharpens his skills. In the WTC final, he will look to put those skills to the ultimate test.
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Conclusion
Josh Hazlewood’s strategic approach of using the IPL 2025 as a launching pad for the ICC World Test Championship Final reflects the mindset of a true professional. By combining competitive match-play, strategic preparation, and leadership within the RCB bowling attack, Hazlewood is not just preparing himself, but also elevating those around him. If his recent performances are anything to go by, Australia might once again find a reliable weapon in Hazlewood when they take the field at Lord’s on June 11.
Stay tuned to CrickTab.com for more exclusive updates, match previews, and player insights as the countdown to the WTC Final continues!
