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Key Points

Josh Hazlewood has become a viral sensation after his remarkable performance in the Indian Premier League, earning the playful nickname "HazelGod" from fans. His teammates Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon are enjoying teasing him about the moniker, with Starc suggesting it should stick around. Hazlewood arrives at Lords in exceptional form, having claimed 22 wickets during the IPL and maintaining an impressive Test record since the 2023 Ashes. As Australia prepares for the World Test Championship final, Hazlewood is expected to be a key player in the team's strategy.

Key Points: Josh Hazlewood's HazelGod Journey from IPL to Lords Test

  • Josh Hazlewood won IPL title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru
  • Teammates playfully tease him about new nickname
  • Impressive Test form since 2023 Ashes
  • Likely to feature in WTC final against India
2 min read

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

Australian cricket star Josh Hazlewood reflects on viral nickname after sensational IPL performance ahead of 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, Hazel 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

R
Rahul K.
HazelGod is here to stay! 😂 RCB fans never let go of their nicknames. After his IPL performance, he totally deserves it. Hope he carries that form into WTC final... though not against India please! 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
Love how humble Hazlewood is about the nickname! Aussie players always have such great sportsmanship. His bowling in IPL was fire though - 22 wickets is no joke. Hope he does well in WTC (but not too well against Asian teams!)
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Arjun S.
Starc trolling Hazlewood is peak Aussie banter! 😆 These guys are so entertaining off the field but absolute monsters on it. HazelGod might not like the name but his stats speak for themselves - 57 wickets in 13 Tests is insane!
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Sanjana R.
As an RCB fan, I'm so proud to see our players doing well internationally! HazelGod was crucial for us this season. Though I wonder if IPL fatigue will affect his Test performance? Switching formats so quickly can't be easy.
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Vikram J.
Honestly, nicknames like this show how much Indian fans appreciate foreign players who give their all in IPL. Hazlewood earned this with his consistent performances. Though I hope our Indian bowlers get similar recognition - BumrahGod anyone? 🤔
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Neha P.
Lyon's comment about Hazlewood referring to himself as HazelGod is hilarious! These Aussie players have such great camaraderie. Makes me wish our Indian team showed more of this fun side too. Cricket shouldn't always be so serious!

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