Josh Hazlewood's 3/13 blew India away for 125, and Australia won the second T20I by 4 wickets.
Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood claimed the ball has been coming out cleanly from his hand in whatever format he is playing after being named Player of the Match for his incisive session in the second T20I victory over India by four wickets.
India's innings never recovered from a top-order collapse caused by Hazlewood's spectacular spell of 3-13. Hazlewood's seam movement and bounce helped India be bowled out for 125, which Australia chased down with 40 balls remaining and four wickets in hand.
"The ball feels like it's coming out nicely at the moment, in whatever format I'm turning up and playing. So, not much needed to change on a wicket like that—there's enough there for all the quicks. Just about putting the ball in the right areas, not trying too much, and seeing what happens," he said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
He also credited his recent run of games across formats and locations for his rhythm.
"Not a lot different, really. Minor tweaks here and there, as always, and everything's improving. I think just playing continuous cricket has helped—we've been up north playing a few games, then over in New Zealand, and now here, West Indies, in the winter... I've just been going from one series to the next, playing the majority of the games, and resting when needed. Everything feels in a good place and ready to go,” he added.
Hazlewood also confirmed that this was his final appearance in the T20I series, as he shifts focus to the Ashes 2025 against England that begins next month.
"Heading home tomorrow. I'll have a week to prepare for the Shield game against Victoria at the SCG, then we head to Perth for the first test. It's important to get that red ball rhythm in, bowl consecutive overs, and spend big days in the field—tick that off, and then it's Perth,” Hazlewood stated.
The third T20I of the series will be played on November 2 in Hobart.
(IANS inputs)