Josh Hazlewood dismisses retirement rumours around Australia’s pace trio of Cummins, Starc and himself, saying they still “have a few more games left” and plenty of Test cricket ahead.
Australian paceman Josh Hazlewood has silenced rumors about the future of Australia's legendary fast-bowling trio—himself, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc. Brushing aside retirement rumors, Hazlewood said the three pace bowlers have "a few more games left" and are completely committed to Test cricket.
With all three pacers now over their mid-30s, most thought the next Ashes series might be their last together. But Hazlewood dismissed the notion, insisting Test cricket still gets them going. Speaking with SEN Radio, he said: "I think everyone still loves the format of Test cricket. There's plenty of Tests on in the next two years. There's another cycle of the World Test Championship so there's a lot of things still exciting about Test cricket, not just the Ashes."
The three of them have dominated the decade and have been the key to Australia's success in all forms. Although injury issues have been a worry Cummins struggling with a lumbar bone stress injury and Hazlewood's consistent fitness issues—the team is keen on continuing. Mitchell Starc has already withdrawn from T20 internationals but only to concentrate on Tests and ODIs.
Hazlewood added: “I think we’ve still got a few more games left in us yet.”
Starc had recently announced his retirement from T20I, stating he wanted to focus on Test cricket and ODIs. He has made plans to participate in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, the IPL, and even aim for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa and Zimbabwe. His move highlights the trio's continued devotion to Australia's biggest cricketing tasks.
Pat Cummins, Australia's Test captain, has decided to bypass the white-ball series against New Zealand and India, and also the domestic Shield games. His mind is set on being completely fit for the first Ashes Test in Perth on November 21. In spite of apprehensions, Cummins' captaincy and reliability with the ball continue to be vital to Australia's forthcoming campaigns.
Though optimistic about the pace trio's longevity, Hazlewood credited the deep bench strength in reserve. He complimented domestic performers and white-ball players who are poised to make the step up to Test cricket.
"I don't want to name names, but I'd say there's been a fair bit through the white-ball route in the recent past. There are good Shield bowlers in each of the states, and I reckon it's just a matter of opportunity once they do get their Test opportunity."
For the moment, speculation of the pace trio's farewell seems rash. With another World Test Championship cycle and a few marquee Test series in the pipeline, Hazlewood, Cummins, and Starc look bent on continuing to reign supreme. As Hazlewood maintained, the age of Australia's fearsome pace attack is far from over.
