Josh Hazlewood is five wickets away from history… Australian pacer reveals why 300 Test wickets are not his biggest concern

Josh Hazlewood is standing on the doorstep of a major milestone in Test cricket, but the Australian pace spearhead insists personal records are the last thing on his mind.

The veteran fast bowler is just five wickets away from completing 300 Test wickets, a landmark that would place him among the greatest fast bowlers in Australian cricket history. However, as Australia prepare for a demanding international schedule, Hazlewood says his focus remains on helping the team succeed rather than chasing individual achievements.

A historic milestone awaits in Darwin

Hazlewood is set to make his return to Test cricket when Australia face Bangladesh in the opening Test at Darwin. The match will mark his comeback after a 13-month absence from the longest format of the game.

The 34-year-old pacer missed Australia’s successful Ashes campaign last summer after suffering a hamstring injury, followed by a calf issue that delayed his return.

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Now fully prepared to step back into the Test arena, Hazlewood has the opportunity to create history in his very first match back.

If he manages to claim five wickets in Darwin, Hazlewood will become only the seventh Australian fast bowler to reach the prestigious 300 Test wicket milestone.

He will join an exclusive list featuring some of Australia’s greatest bowling legends, including Dennis Lillee, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins.

Team goals ahead of personal records

Despite being close to joining cricket’s elite club, Hazlewood has played down the importance of the achievement.

The fast bowler believes Australia’s upcoming schedule will test the team’s depth and fitness, with the side expected to play 21 Test matches over the next year.

For Hazlewood, staying fit and contributing consistently across the challenging period is far more important than reaching a statistical milestone.

His disciplined approach has been a defining feature of his career. Known for his accuracy, patience and ability to build pressure over long spells, Hazlewood has become one of Australia’s most reliable performers in Test cricket.

Another chapter in a remarkable career

Since making his Test debut, Hazlewood has developed into a key figure in Australia’s legendary pace attack. His partnership with other world-class bowlers has helped the team achieve major victories across different conditions.

Reaching 300 Test wickets would be another memorable achievement in a career that has already included numerous highlights, including success in the Ashes, World Test Championship, and ICC tournaments.

However, Hazlewood’s return comes at a crucial time for Australia. With a packed Test calendar ahead, managing workloads and keeping experienced players fit will be one of the team’s biggest challenges.

As Australia begin their Bangladesh series, all eyes will be on Hazlewood. The milestone may not be his priority, but history could be waiting just five wickets away.