Josh Hazlewood has brushed aside concerns about Australia’s ageing bowling lineup ahead of the 2025–26 Ashes, insisting that the attack remains as potent and disciplined as ever. With Hazlewood (34), Mitchell Starc (35), and Nathan Lyon (38) forming the spine of the bowling group, questions have emerged about whether time is catching up with the golden generation of Australian bowlers. But the seasoned paceman was quick to clarify that experience—not youth—is what truly wins big series.
Hazlewood said the bowlers have developed an unmatched understanding of each other’s strengths and tactical rhythms over years of playing together. “There’ll come a time when we’ll need to pass the torch, but I don’t think it’s yet,” he stated confidently. He highlighted how the shared workload, improved recovery methods, and precise planning from Australia’s support staff have extended the lifespan of their fast-bowling unit.
The upcoming home Ashes series, beginning in late 2025, will test Australia’s endurance and adaptability. Critics have suggested that England’s younger core could exploit Australia’s aging attack across five Tests, particularly in back-to-back matches. Hazlewood, however, argued that fitness and skill levels have only improved with time. “I’m in the best physical shape I’ve been in years,” he noted, pointing to the meticulous management of his bowling spells across recent seasons.
Australia’s bowling structure remains anchored around stability: Starc’s left-arm pace, Hazlewood’s relentless accuracy, Lyon’s classical off-spin, and Pat Cummins’ sharp bursts when fit. Each has shouldered immense workloads, yet together they’ve maintained one of the most consistent home records in modern Test cricket. They have not lost an Ashes series in Australia since 2017–18, and Hazlewood believes that record speaks for itself.
Beyond individual form, Hazlewood underscored the importance of shared experience in high-pressure moments. “We’ve been through almost every kind of match situation—flat decks, reverse swing conditions, big chases, dead rubbers—and that collective memory is our biggest weapon,” he said. It’s a calm assertion from a man who has seen both the grind of five-day cricket and the evolution of the modern fast bowler’s role.
The conversation around Australia’s next generation of pacers—like Lance Morris and Xavier Bartlett—continues to simmer, but Hazlewood’s focus is clearly on the now. For him, the team’s chemistry, trust, and awareness matter more than age brackets.
As the Ashes approach, his message to critics and opponents alike is simple: experience breeds confidence, and confidence wins matches. The Australian attack may have grey hairs and long memories, but it also carries the scars and lessons that shape champions. For Hazlewood, that’s not a weakness — it’s precisely why they still believe they’re the best in the world.
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