Mitchell Starc credits Josh Hazlewood for brilliant start against South Africa

Australia made it to the summit clash of the ongoing ODI World Cup after the side recently defeated South Africa in the second semi-final of the tournament in Kolkata. The game began with the Proteas coming in to bat first, and the side immediately fell prey to the brilliance of the Australian bowling attack.

Most of the pressure was exerted on South Africa in the powerplay, and it is all thanks to Australia’s pace attack. The first innings of the clash ended with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Travis Head being among the wicket-takers.

Starc and Cummins took three wickets each, with Hazlewood and Head striking twice each. Speaking of the brilliant bowling performance in the first innings, Mitchell Starc came forward to heap praise on Josh Hazlewood and his spell in the early overs against South Africa.

“I think our powerplay was probably what got us on our way; there were other key moments throughout the day with bat and ball, but to start the game like that with Joshie and I was great. Powerplay wickets have probably not been our strong suit through the tournament, so it’s nice to have a powerplay of 2 for 18 or something like that. The way Josh bowled throughout to finish two for 12 (from eight overs) was incredible,” Mitchell Starc was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Hazlewood was incredible today: Starc

Furthermore, Starc talked of Hazlewood’s pitch map against South Africa and highlighted his success in Test cricket as well. It is worth noting that Hazlewood bowled eight overs against the Proteas, conceded only 12 runs in the process, and took two wickets as well.

“Looking at Josh’s pitch map—that’s what he does so well in Test match bowling. He was incredible today, and the way we ran off each other to have that powerplay we did and carry some momentum through to the middle overs was how we wanted to start matches. So it was nice to do it in a big game,” Starc said.