The Silent Storm of Australian Pace
Josh Hazlewood, often dubbed the “next Glenn McGrath”, stands tall not just in stature but also in the legacy of Australian fast bowling. His disciplined line and length, calm demeanor, and ability to outthink the best batters have made him a vital cog in the Australian pace trio. Let’s uncover the story of this New South Wales lad who grew into one of the world’s most reliable pacemen.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Josh Reginald Hazlewood |
| Nickname | Hoff, Bendemeer Bullet |
| Date of Birth | January 8, 1991 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 34 years |
| Place of Birth | Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia |
| Hometown | Bendemeer, New South Wales, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 90 kg |
| Profession | International Cricketer (Fast Bowler) |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm fast-medium |
| Teams Played For | Australia, New South Wales, CSK, RCB |
| Test Debut | December 17, 2014 vs India |
| ODI Debut | June 22, 2010 vs England |
| T20I Debut | February 13, 2013 vs West Indies |
| Father’s Name | Trevor Hazlewood |
| Mother’s Name | Anne Hazlewood |
| Siblings | Elder brother: Aaron Hazlewood |
| Marital Status | In a relationship |
| Girlfriend’s Name | Cherina Murphy |
| Children | None (as of 2025) |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | USD 5–6 million |
| Known For | Accuracy, discipline, calm personality |
| Biggest Achievement | ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 winner; WTC Final 2023 winner |
| Major Controversies | None significant; clean sportsmanship record |
| Hobbies | Fishing, farming, countryside drives |
| Favorite Bowler | Glenn McGrath (role model) |
| Inspiration | Family and rural upbringing |
| Social Media Presence | Low-key; prefers private life |
| Key Traits | Calm, hardworking, disciplined, team player |
A Countryside Kid with Big Dreams
Born on January 8, 1991, in Tamworth, New South Wales, Josh Reginald Hazlewood spent his early childhood in the quaint village of Bendemeer. Raised on a farm, he shared an unshakeable bond with nature and sports alike. From the age of 12, he played competitive cricket, often bowling to his elder brother in their backyard – a place that served as his first cricket pitch.
Hazlewood was always competitive. He represented his school and local clubs, quickly catching the eyes of scouts. By 17, he had already become the youngest fast bowler to represent New South Wales. His raw pace, combined with a mature sense of line and length, promised something special.
Family: The Strong Roots Behind the Calm Warrior
Josh owes much of his grounded personality to his close-knit family. His father, Trevor Hazlewood, worked on the farm, while his mother, Anne, ensured the kids balanced studies and sports. His elder brother, Aaron, often challenged him in backyard games, indirectly honing Josh’s skills to stay sharp under pressure.
Despite his fame, Hazlewood keeps his family life extremely private. He credits them for instilling discipline, humility, and the work ethic that define his approach to cricket. Their constant support remains his backbone through injuries and tough tours.
Professional Career: From Teenage Debutant to World-Class Pacer
Josh Hazlewood’s professional journey has been an inspiring testament to patience and precision. He made his ODI debut against England in 2010 at just 19, becoming the youngest pacer to play for Australia since Pat Cummins. However, it was Test cricket where he truly blossomed.
In December 2014, Hazlewood’s Test debut against India in Brisbane showcased his immense promise. He bagged a five-wicket haul in his first innings, dismissing top-order batters with clinical seam bowling. From there, he never looked back.
He soon formed a lethal pace trio with Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. This trio led Australia to several iconic wins, including the 2015 and 2023 ICC World Cup campaigns and the 2021–2023 ICC World Test Championship final triumph.
Josh is often compared to Glenn McGrath for his nagging accuracy and relentless consistency. Unlike tearaway quicks, Hazlewood thrives on discipline, building pressure with dot balls and drawing mistakes from the world’s best.
IPL Stint: Making His Mark in T20s
While initially seen as a Test specialist, Hazlewood has evolved as a white-ball asset too. He played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2021 and then for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). His knack for bowling tight lines during powerplays and death overs has earned him a steady spot in franchise T20s.
In the shortest format, his calm approach often surprises big hitters. His adaptability, despite not being the fastest bowler in the world, shows his growth as a modern paceman.
Physical Stats: Height, Fitness, and Athleticism
Josh Hazlewood’s height is an advantage for his bowling style. Standing tall at 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm), he generates steep bounce on any surface. He maintains a lean athletic build, weighing approximately 90 kg, which helps him endure long spells in Tests.
Unlike some injury-prone pacers, Hazlewood’s fitness regime focuses on workload management, strength training, and recovery. His resilience has allowed him to play across formats without significant loss in pace or accuracy.
Relationship Status: Is Josh Hazlewood Married?
Despite being a high-profile cricketer, Hazlewood values his privacy off the field. He has long been in a steady relationship with his girlfriend, Cherina Murphy. The two have kept their bond away from public glare, rarely making red carpet appearances or media statements.
Josh has openly said he prefers to shield his personal life, focusing instead on cricket and family time. As of now, the couple is yet to tie the knot officially but remains happily together.
Controversies: The Calm Bowler with a Clean Record
Josh Hazlewood is a rare breed in the modern game – a top-level international cricketer who has managed to steer clear of major controversies. He is known for his calm, no-nonsense approach and respect for the spirit of cricket.
The only minor flashpoint came during the 2018 South Africa tour when tensions ran high between Australian and South African players. Hazlewood’s name surfaced briefly during a heated on-field exchange but he maintained his composure and avoided any fines or sanctions. Compared to his peers, his record is impressively clean, which adds to his image as a true gentleman of the game.
Milestones & Achievements: Adding Chapters to Australian Cricket
Hazlewood’s career is dotted with milestones that highlight his contribution to Australian cricket:
- ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Champion: A vital cog in Australia’s dominant campaign.
- ICC World Test Championship Final 2021–2023 Winner: Played crucial roles in Australia’s Test success.
- Consistent ICC Top Rankings: Frequently features among the top five Test bowlers in the world.
- More than 250 Test Wickets: Reaching this landmark with a bowling average under 26 reflects his consistency.
His ability to thrive in all conditions, whether it’s swinging the ball in England, bouncing out batters in Australia, or bowling tight spells on subcontinental tracks, makes him a complete bowler.
Beyond Cricket: The Private Side of Josh Hazlewood
When not steaming in from the Pavilion End, Hazlewood prefers a quiet life. He enjoys spending time at home, catching up on farming chores, fishing trips, and long drives around the countryside. His simple lifestyle resonates with his upbringing and keeps him grounded despite global fame.
He also contributes to local cricket in Tamworth, visiting schools and clubs to inspire the next generation. His humility off the field mirrors his steady, reliable persona on it.
Net Worth and Endorsements
As a centrally contracted Australian player, Hazlewood earns a significant sum from Cricket Australia. His IPL deals have added lucrative value to his career. His estimated net worth as of 2025 stands close to $5–6 million USD, boosted by brand endorsements for sportswear and equipment brands. However, unlike some flamboyant peers, Josh remains low-key about his wealth and fame.
Legacy: A Modern-Day McGrath or Even Better?
Many compare Hazlewood’s line-and-length mastery with the legendary Glenn McGrath. Yet, in his own right, he’s carved a niche. With more variety, greater adaptability to T20s, and the ability to evolve with the game’s demands, he’s built an enduring legacy.
As he moves into his mid-30s, Hazlewood’s focus is on prolonging his career, mentoring young quicks, and winning more silverware for Australia. If his body holds up, there’s no doubt he will finish as one of Australia’s finest seam bowlers.
