Josh Hazlewood targets 300 Test wickets as he returns for Australia's Bangladesh series

Australia fast‑bowler Josh Hazlewood, 35, is set to make his Test comeback after a 13‑month injury lay‑off, facing Bangladesh in Darwin. He is five wickets shy of the 300‑wicket milestone that would place him alongside Dennis Lillee, Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. Hazlewood said his primary focus is the team's success rather than personal records as Australia prepares for a demanding schedule of 21 Tests over the next twelve months.

Having missed last summer’s Ashes due to hamstring and Achilles problems, Hazlewood has been training at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane, emphasizing workload management and back‑to‑back long‑spell sessions. He expressed a desire to bowl more alongside fellow quick Scott Boland, whose strong performances covered Hazlewood’s absence. Hazlewood also highlighted the upcoming big overseas series in England, India and South Africa as key objectives for the Australian bowling group.

The bowler’s recent IPL stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he helped win two titles, has restored his fitness and confidence ahead of the Bangladesh series.