Glenn McGrath hopes Hazlewood can break his record
Glenn McGrath believes Josh Hazlewood can better his record in Test cricket if he “keeps up a good work ethic off the field”. The former pacer also feels that Hazlewood will benefit from a stint in county cricket, but thinks it will be tough to accommodate that in this tight fixture schedule.
"The challenge is there. If he can get there and do that, I'd be one of the happiest guys for him," McGrath, who had picked up 563 wickets – highest by a
Hazlewood picked up his 100th Test scalp by taking a simple return catch to dismiss Wahab Riaz in the first innings of the 2nd Test in MCG. He became just the fourth Australian cricketer to reach this landmark before his 26th birthday.
"Records are there to be chased down and be beaten and that (is a) little carrot to keep guys going.
"To play 100-plus Tests and get 560-odd wickets like I took, if he can get there, then he'd have done pretty well.
"He's only a young fella ... but it's up to him how far he goes.
"If he keeps up a good work ethic off the field ... to keep strong, to keep fit. If he does that and stays very disciplined, who knows where he could get to?" McGrath added.
I think he's now sorted that out ... so I think next time he goes to England, he'll really enjoy it
McGrath
The former pacer also feels that Hazlewood will benefit from a county stint, and is confident that the New South Wales pacer will produce better performances in England this time around. He said, "I think it's pretty tough to do that [county stint]. Back when I played I had a few opportunities to play county cricket and I think it was really good for me.
"Josh has had a taste of English cricket and unfortunately he didn't do as well as he would have liked. I thought he would have done really well in English conditions, but I think he changed a few things. He was running in wider and looking to swing the ball and coming around himself rather than over the top.
"I think he's now sorted that out ... so I think next time he goes to England, he'll really enjoy it.
"If he can go over there (for the Champions Trophy), bowl well and get his confidence up, that will kick-start him for the next Ashes."