Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has turned to compatriots across the ditch in order to help him prepare for Thursday's opening Test against Pakistan at the Gabba.
After Australia's recent 3-0 ODI series win against New Zealand on home soil, Hazlewood questioned Kiwi quicks - who have just come away with a 2-0 Test series win against Pakistan last month - as to what methods he should take when bowling to the tourists.
“They (the Kiwis) gave a little bit away, but not too much,” Hazlewood said today.
“Even though the wickets were very green over there, patience was the one thing that got them the wickets.
“Just the conditions they (Pakistan) are not used to, the pace and the bounce.
“And even though the New Zealand wickets aren’t as quick as here, there was still that seam movement, which they’re not used to.
“We’ll look to exploit that.”
After taking 17 wickets against the Proteas last series, Hazlewood is looking to become one of the fastest Australians to reach the 100-wicket mark, as the 25-year-old is just six wickets short of the milestone.
The paceman has really come on in the past 18 months, and Hazlewood contributes that to great fitness and strength conditioning, as he's taken 54 Test wickets at 28.48 since the 2015 Ashes series.
The day-night factor of the first Test will also benefit the quick, as the afternoon sessions are routinely not as hot as the morning ones, meaning Hazlewood can stay fitter for longer.
“Over the South African series I felt nice and strong,” Hazlewood said.
“I gained an extra yard (in pace) and I think I’m bowling a heavier ball.
“And now we only have two sessions in the sun rather than three.
“I think that morning session is probably the hottest up here (in Brisbane) as well, so it’s another good factor for a day-night game up here given the memories of a couple of years ago.
“I think it’s going to be a little bit easier on the bowlers with the weather that way.”
