Josh Hazlewood has taken 18 wickets at 16.88 since being left out of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston in preference of Peter Siddle. The right-arm pacer is one of the key reasons why Australia has retained the Ashes with an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series. 

He missed out on selection for the World Cup due to a back injury picked up during the last winter following the Test series against India. 

And hence, as he returned, performing to cement his place back was on the top of Hazlewood's mind. 

"I've missed a bit of cricket for Australia lately in a few different formats and just wanted to entrench myself back in the team," he told cricket.com.au on Tuesday (September 10). 

"There is always competition from outside and there are a lot of quicks here doing really well. I just wanted to get my place back in the team and hopefully do well for the team and move towards what we've already accomplished, but to (win) 3-1 as well."

Hazlewood's form is outstanding. The 28-year-old has had spells this series where he has been unplayable for the batsmen. 

"It's just the areas I've been hitting, the top of the stumps. A lot of bowleds and lbws, so very happy with that."

"We've been really simple with our plans. Patty (Cummins) has got a few bowleds and lbws as well, so that's been the plan and having executed that under an Ashes pressure is what I'm most happy with," he added. 

Despite a quick turnaround from the last Test in Manchester, Hazlewood said he is ready to go for the series finale at the Oval from Thursday. 

"I'll just rock up to the game and roll the arm over. When you're playing so much you're probably only training to loosen up really and get the cobwebs out. The ball feels like it's coming out really nicely, so (I'm) ready to go," he concluded. 

(Inputs from cricket.com.au)