‘Unluckiest spell’: Irfan Pathan raves about Josh Hazlewood after AUS vs IND 2nd ODI – Sporting News

Saurav Goyal
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan had high praise for Josh Hazlewood’s disciplined bowling effort in the second ODI between India and Australia at Adelaide.
Despite finishing wicketless, the tall pacer delivered one of the most impressive spells of the match, keeping India’s top order under constant pressure.
Hazlewood, who was the main destroyer in Perth, was once again right on the mark in Adelaide. He bowled two maidens and constantly beat Rohit Sharma’s bat, but luck simply didn’t go his way.
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Pathan said he hadn’t seen a spell so unlucky in a long time, as Hazlewood deserved at least one wicket for his relentless accuracy.
Hazlewood bowled 10 overs for just 29 runs without taking a wicket. The former Indian pacer said that out of 60 balls he bowled, at least 20 could have easily dismissed Rohit.
“The way Josh Hazlewood bowled 10 overs for 29 runs but no wicket. I doubt I have seen such an unlucky spell because he bowled 60 balls out of which he could have gotten Rohit Sharma’s wicket in any of the 20 balls. Even when he was bowling the 35th or 36th over, he was consistently beating the bat,” said Pathan.
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Pathan pointed out that Hazlewood forced Indian batters into 45% false shots but still walked away without a wicket.
“I haven’t seen forcing the batters to play 45% of false shots and not getting a wicket despite that.” 
He compared Hazlewood’s performance to that of Mitchell Starc, saying that while Starc wasn’t at his best, he still managed to get a wicket.
“Mitchell Starc didn’t bowl that well but he got a wicket. It’s a game of luck sometimes. Wrist-spinner Zampa performed well, took four wickets,” he added.
With the series already sealed 2-0 in Australia’s favour, the third and final ODI will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on October 25.
India will look to end the series on a high, while the hosts will aim for a clean sweep under Mitchell Marsh’s leadership.
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Saurav Goyal is a content producer with over two years of experience in covering cricket. An avid cricket fan for more than two decades, his passion for the game led him to writing. Since then, he’s been delivering the latest news and engaging content to keep cricket fans informed and entertained.

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