Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has sent a clear message to England ahead of the much-awaited Ashes 2025-26 series. The experienced fast bowler has warned England’s bowlers to think carefully before trying to sledge the Australian batters when the two rivals meet in their five-match Test battle.
The iconic Ashes series kicks off on November 21 at the Optus Stadium in Perth, and both teams are already preparing for what promises to be a fiery contest. England, under the “Bazball” approach, have built a reputation for aggressive play and on-field chatter, something they also used to unsettle India during their recent Test series at home.
Josh Hazlewood Says Sledging Won’t Work on This Australian Side
Josh Hazlewood, however, is confident that such tactics will not affect this Australian team. He believes the current batting lineup, including players like Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green, is far too focused and experienced to be distracted by verbal taunts.
According to Josh Hazlewood, modern cricketers are mentally tougher and more self-aware than ever before. What used to be a powerful tool in cricket mind games has now lost its edge. In fact, he feels sledging can often have the opposite effect, motivating batters to play even better under pressure.
Josh Hazlewood was quoted as saying by News Corp: “I would not sledge any of our batting order, to be honest. Especially someone like Marnus (Labuschagne) and Cam Green. They are so far into their own games and focused on their own batting that I don’t think they would ever hear it. I think a lot of batters are like that these days.”
Expect a Heated but Controlled Ashes Series
Looking ahead to the upcoming Ashes, Josh Hazlewood admitted there could be some heated exchanges between the two sides, given the intensity and history of the rivalry. However, he believes both teams are experienced enough to manage emotions and keep things under control.
Hazlewood expects a hard-fought and competitive series but feels that sledging will do little to change the outcome on the field.
He added, “I am not sure how it will play out. There will be moments when it gets heated, but I think it will be pretty level across the five-test series. We are all quite experienced and realize it does not have much of an effect on people these days. You can still find the odd person it might affect, but most of the time it probably switches people on and makes them play better.”
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Josh Hazlewood Prepares for India T20Is Amid Fitness Concerns in the Camp
Before the Ashes, Hazlewood is preparing for the upcoming five-match T20I series against India. As part of Cricket Australia’s workload management plan, the pacer will feature in only three of those matches. Australia recently won the ODI series against India 2-1 at home, and the T20Is will serve as key preparation ahead of a busy schedule.
Meanwhile, the Australian camp is keeping a close eye on a few fitness issues. Skipper Pat Cummins is one of three players managing injuries. Cameron Green missed the ODI series against India due to side soreness, and Beau Webster is recovering from an ankle problem.
Despite these challenges, Hazlewood’s confidence sets the tone – Australia is ready, focused, and not likely to be rattled by England’s words when the battle for the Ashes begins in Perth.
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