Agence France-Presse
Australia's Josh Hazlewood said his side's recent success against India will give them an edge when they face the reigning champions in a World Cup semi-final in Sydney on Thursday.
India are unbeaten at the World Cup, but they failed to win a match in the preceding Test and one-day tri-series in Australia.
“We have played them a lot this summer in both formats,” Hazlewood said. “I would say we have the wood over them a little bit, winning the tri-series.”
The fast bowler, 24, has featured in three of Australia’s matches at the World Cup so far but made the most of his latest recall with a man-of-the-match return of four for 35 in a six-wicket quarter-final win over Pakistan in Adelaide on Friday.
Hazlewood said he feared his World Cup was over when Australia selectors opted for Pat Cummins before dropping his fellow seamer after an unimpressive return of three for 42 in seven overs against Scotland.
“Those thoughts do run through your head,” he said. “But you try and stay positive. Patty obviously picked up a few wickets but had a bit of a mixed bag in the game last time, so left the door a little bit ajar I guess.”
The contest between Hazlewood and Cummins for a place in an Australia attack led by in-form left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc may still have some way to run at this World Cup.
Australia’s selectors have tended to opt for Hazlewood when wanting additional new-ball firepower and gone for Cummins when they have felt a need for greater variety in the ‘death overs’ late in an innings.
“It has obviously been a toss of the coin job for most of the tournament between me and Pat, we have got the nod in different spots and in different conditions,” Hazlewood said.
“So it was just good to get another game and hopefully impress.”
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