In an extraordinary testament to their domineering prowess and enduring consistency, Australia’s celebrated pace quartet of Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon have etched their names into cricket’s annals by creating an unprecedented world record in the realm of Test cricket. Known for their relentless aggression and strategic ingenuity, these four stalwarts have solidified their standing as one of the most formidable bowling alliances in the sport’s history. Their impressive skill set transcends formats, with three of the four showcasing their talents across all forms of the game.
The Adelaide Test against the West Indies marked a momentous occasion for Josh Hazlewood as he captured his 250th Test wicket, becoming the eleventh Australian to achieve this significant milestone. Often heralded as a successor to the precision of Glenn McGrath, Hazlewood needed just one dismissal to propel his team into the record books, and he did so with aplomb, securing four wickets on the opening day alone.
With Hazlewood reaching this personal peak, the quartet comprising himself, Cummins, Starc, and Lyon, have carved out a unique slice of history. They stand as the first group of four bowlers in Men’s Test cricket to each boast at least 250 Test scalps while playing a Test together. This milestone is a remarkable reflection of their combined prowess and the terror they instil in batsmen worldwide.
Hazlewood’s achievement, which unfolded at the serene Adelaide Oval, was emblematic of the Australian team’s dominance. His four wickets were critical in dismantling the West Indies batting lineup, which could only muster 188 runs. Pat Cummins matched his compatriot’s haul, also claiming four victims, highlighting the potency of this feared bowling contingent. Hazlewood’s landmark 250th wicket came at the demise of West Indies batter Alick Athanaze, whose off-stump was shattered by a delivery that elegantly curved back in, leaving the batsman no choice but to walk back dumbfounded.
The quartet’s tally at this point in time stood impressively as follows:
– Nathan Lyon (the off-spin maestro): 510 wickets
– Mitchell Starc (the left-arm speed demon): 346 wickets
– Pat Cummins (the pace attack leader): 262 wickets
– Josh Hazlewood (the precision paceman): 253 wickets
Despite the West Indies’ lower-order resistance, spearheaded by valiant efforts from Shamarh Brooks and Kemar Roach who stitched together a 65-run partnership, the Australian bowlers proved too much to handle. The hosts then took to batting, ending the day’s play at 59 for the loss of two wickets. Notably, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne had returned to the pavilion, leaving Australia trailing by 129 runs.
As the Test progressed, Australia looked to consolidate their position, leveraging the strengths of their dynamic and historically significant bowling unit. The efforts of Hazlewood and his peers not only etched a permanent record in the annals of the sport but also provided a monumental advantage to their side in the ongoing encounter.
This quartet’s legacy extends beyond mere numbers. Their individual brilliance when combined, has established a blueprint for future generations – a testament to skill, strategy, and spirit. They have become the benchmark for bowling greatness in Test cricket, inspiring awestruck admiration from their counterparts and cricket enthusiasts across the globe. As the Adelaide Test continues, it is not just victory the Aussies aim for, but the chance to keep building on a legacy that will be remembered for ages to come.
