By Andrew Wu
Josh Hazlewood's career-best summer has earned him rave reviews from the great Glenn McGrath, who rates the giant quick as the best fast bowler in world cricket.
McGrath's lofty assessment may seem over the top to some, but it's a glowing endorsement for a player who has made the transformation from rising star to the genuine article this summer.
As Australia's batsmen crashed and burned against South Africa, Hazlewood enhanced his reputation, finishing the series as the leading wicket-taker.
While comeback kid Pat Cummins has taken the headlines this week, it's been Hazlewood's early strikes from which the Black Caps have not been able to recover.
Josh Hazlewood celebrates as Australia seize the Chappell/Hadlee trophy.Credit: Cricket Australia
Though not lightning fast, Hazlewood has found an extra yard of pace that, combined with his steep bounce, makes him an unnerving proposition for even the best in the world. Just ask Hashim Amla, who lost his wicket to Hazlewood in each of his five innings during the Tests.
Hazlewood vaulted into the top five of the ICC's Test bowling rankings last month, sitting fifth with the injured Dale Steyn and England's James Anderson the only quicks ahead of him. Mitchell Starc and Stuart Broad would also feature in discussions for the game's premier quick.
"He's definitely up in the top couple of bowlers in the world, the way he's bowled the last few matches he's up around the No.1 spot," McGrath said while promoting water supplier Mount Franklin's partnership with the McGrath Foundation for the pink-themed SCG Test.
"He had a hiccup in the UK which I thought was a good learning experience for him and the way he's come back he's a world-class bowler now.
Glenn McGrath promoting the pink Test at the SCG.Credit: Steve Lunam
"He showed that in the last two or three games where he's taken the big wickets, bowling consistent areas and the pressure's on the batsman the whole time.
"He looks comfortable, he looks confident and the pace is up. I think he's in the form of his life. The good thing for Josh is I think he can maintain that for a long, long time."
How Australia manages Hazlewood through the rest of the international summer then India will be crucial to their short-term aspirations. The dead rubber against New Zealand on Friday seems the ideal opportunity to give the senior quick a freshen up, though coach and selector Darren Lehmann said both he and Mitchell Starc would play.
"They have to bowl some overs and get ready for Brisbane anyway. And they're fine, they've pulled up OK," Lehmann said on Thursday.
"Unless something happens in the next 24 hours I'd expect them to play. I know the captain's quite keen for them to play."
Lehmann was less enthusiastic about Glenn Maxwell's chances of returning to the side after his tumultuous week in the spotlight. Travis Head, who like Maxwell can also bowl part-time off-spin, has done little wrong with bat and ball in the first two games.
"Home track, he's a chance. Once we see the wicket we'll have a better idea – everyone's a chance," Lehmann said.
Lehmann praised Maxwell for his response since being publicly rebuked and fined for what Steve Smith said were "disrespectful" remarks about state and national teammate Matthew Wade.
"He's been fantastic. Full credit to him the way he's handled it and the way he's been around the group in getting prepared to play each and every game," Lehmann said.
"We've named the team quite late both times because we've only got down to the ground just before. He's missed out at the last minute and he's handled that really well. For him he's just got to be ready to play, if he gets his opportunity then away he goes."