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Key Points

Josh Hazlewood has become an unexpected internet sensation after his remarkable performance in the Indian Premier League. His teammates are playfully teasing him about the newly coined 'HazleGod' nickname, which emerged after his crucial role in RCB's title victory. Hazlewood seems slightly bemused by the attention, hoping the nickname doesn't stick around too long. With 22 wickets in the IPL and impressive form since the 2023 Ashes, he's set to be a key player in the upcoming World Test Championship final at Lord's.

Key Points: Hazlewood Jokes About HazleGod Nickname Before WTC Final

  • Josh Hazlewood arrives in England after sensational IPL performance
  • Mitchell Starc teases teammate about new viral nickname
  • RCB fans crowned him 'HazleGod' after title win
  • Likely to start in World Test Championship final against India
2 min read

Hopefully it runs out of steam pretty quickly: Josh Hazlewood on his nickname HazleGod

Australian cricket star Josh Hazlewood laughs off viral 'HazleGod' moniker after IPL triumph, ahead of crucial World Test Championship final

"Hopefully it runs out of steam pretty quickly - Josh Hazlewood"

New Delhi June 9

Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, spinner Nathan Lyon reflected on Hazlewood's nickname, Hazle God given by his Indian Premier League (IPL) team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans, ahead of their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at Lord's on June 11.

In a video posted by ICC on Instagram, Hazlewood said, "Yeah, hopefully it runs out of steam pretty quickly."

In a video posted by ICC on Instagram, Starc said, "Hopefully it sticks, because I don't think he likes it too much. He's had a fantastic few months, the big fella over in India, and he's come home with bags of cash. So I look forward to seeing him in action here atthe Lords."

"Hazel God, he actually referred to himself as it the other day, which totally took me back by surprise. Off the back of him winning the IPL, I think he's running with it," Nathan Lyon said in a video posted by ICC on Instagram.

Hazlewood arrives in UK in red hot form, completing a sensational Indian Premier League campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he picked up 22 wickets and played a crucial role in their title-winning run.

He has slowly eased back into red-ball preparation, bowling around five overs at moderate intensity during Australia's optional training session in Beckenham on Saturday.

If he pulls up well, Hazlewood will likely edge out Scott Boland for a spot in the starting XI for the WTC final. Since returning to the Test setup during the 2023 Ashes, Hazlewood has been in remarkable form, claiming 57 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 19.68.

Australia squad for WTC final: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, Matt Kuhnemann. Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 authentic Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rahul K.
Hazlewood was absolutely lethal for RCB this season! The nickname is well deserved after that performance. Hope he brings the same energy to WTC final. Aussies looking strong 💪 #HazleGod
P
Priya M.
Typical Aussie humility 😂 First they deny the nickname, then secretly love it. Hazlewood was a revelation in IPL - his line and length were poetry in motion. Excited to see him at Lord's!
A
Arjun S.
As an RCB fan, I'm proud we gave him this nickname! His bowling in the death overs was god-level indeed. But now he's against India in WTC... mixed feelings yaar 😅
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Neha T.
Love how IPL makes global stars out of players! Hazlewood earned every bit of that nickname with his consistent performances. Though I hope our Indian batsmen have figured him out now 🤞
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Sanjay R.
Respect to Hazlewood for his skills, but the nickname culture in IPL is getting out of hand. Next we'll have 'BumrahBhagwan' or 'KohliKaDevta' if this continues! Let's appreciate players without the exaggeration.
V
Vikram J.
Starc's comment about 'bags of cash' shows why IPL is the best league! Our fans give players love AND money 💰 Hope Hazlewood remembers his RCB fans when bowling against India 😉

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