Introduction: The Metronome of Modern Fast Bowling
In an era of express pace and flashy all-rounders, Josh Hazlewood (born January 8, 1991) embodies old-school excellence. With metronomic accuracy, relentless seam movement, and ice-cool composure, cricket’s most underrated bowler has dismantled batting lineups for 15 years. As of 2025, the 6’5” pace titan remains Australia’s Test spearhead and T20’s most economical death bowler.
Chapter 1: Roots & Family – Tamworth’s Steel-Forged Warrior
Born in Tamworth, New South Wales, Hazlewood grew up on a cattle farm, baling hay and honing his stamina. His late father Chris Hazlewood (a schoolteacher) drove him 400km weekly for training in Sydney. Tragedy struck in 2013 when Chris passed from cancer – Josh channeled grief into a career-best 6/70 vs England months later.
The Hazlewood Unit:
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- Cherina Murphy (Wife): Nurse; married in 2019. Low-key wedding in Byron Bay.
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- Claire Hazlewood (Daughter): Born 2022.
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- Mitchell Hazlewood (Brother): Former rugby player; manages Josh’s investments.
“Dad taught me discipline. Farming taught me patience. That’s my bowling.” – Hazlewood on The Grade Cricketer Podcast.
Chapter 2: Career Evolution – From Teen Prodigy to Australia’s Atlas
Key Milestones
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- 2008: Youngest NSW debutant since Phil Hughes (aged 17).
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- 2010: Test debut vs India – took Sachin’s wicket with his 7th ball.
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- 2015: Pivotal in Australia’s ODI World Cup win (16 wickets @ 14.75).
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- 2023: Bowled the spell of the WTC Final (3/16 vs India).
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- 2025: Became 4th Australian to 300 Test wickets.
Captaincy & Leadership
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- Test Vice-Captain (2021–2024) behind Pat Cummins.
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- IPL Captaincy: Led RCB for 5 games in 2024 when Faf du Plessis was injured (won 4).
IPL Journey: The Undercover MVP
| Team | Years | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | 2020–2021 | 2021 Title: Economy 6.82 in death overs |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | 2022–2025 | 2024 Purple Cap contender (22 wickets @ 18.50) |
IPL Career Stats (2014–2025)
| Matches | Wickets | Avg | Econ | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98 | 121 | 22.30 | 7.35 | 4/12 vs GT (2023) |
Chapter 3: By the Numbers – Statistical Supremacy
International Cricket Stats (As of June 2025)
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Avg | Econ | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 85 | 303 | 24.15 | 2.63 | 6/35 vs SA |
| ODI | 79 | 132 | 25.90 | 4.61 | 6/52 vs ENG |
| T20I | 51 | 65 | 20.11 | 7.10 | 4/12 vs SL |
Historic Achievements:
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- 🎯 #1 Test bowling avg (min. 200 wkts) among active players
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- 🏆 2023 World Test Championship MVP
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- ❄️ Best economy (5.82) in T20 World Cup history (min. 30 overs)
Chapter 4: The $25 Million Empire – Business & Endorsements
2025 Net Worth Breakdown
| Source | Annual Earnings | Key Entities |
|---|---|---|
| Cricket Contracts | $1.8M AUD | CA contract + match fees |
| IPL Salary | $1.4M AUD | RCB retention (2022–2025) |
| Endorsements | $1.2M AUD | Asics, Toyota, Weet-Bix, Gillette |
| Investments | $600K AUD | NSW farmland, ESG stocks |
Top Endorsements:
- Asics (2016–present): Signature bowling shoes – ASICS Josh Hazlewood Collection
- Toyota Australia: “Reliable like a Hilux” campaign
- Weet-Bix: “Fuel for Five-Day Warriors” ads
Assets:
- 🚜 1,200-acre farm in Tamworth (inherited family property)
- 🏡 Sydney penthouse ($4.2M AUD) near SCG
- 🚗 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series (gifted by sponsor)
Chapter 5: Off the Field – The Quiet Australian
Philanthropy:
- Rural Cricket Fund: Sponsors nets/coaches in 12 NSW country towns.
- Bowel Cancer Australia: Ambassador since 2018 (honoring his father).
Fitness Regime:
- Pioneered “yoga for fast bowlers” in CA programs.
- Recovery ritual: Ice baths in Tamworth’s Peel River.
Controversies:
- 2020 IPL “Mankad warning” vs Rabada (called “against spirit”).
- 2024 Test ban for slow over-rate vs England.
The Future: Red Ball Sentinel, White Ball Mentor
At 34, Hazlewood prioritizes Tests but remains T20’s “economy king”. Plans post-2027:
- ☕ Coffee farm in Byron Bay
- 🏏 NSW Bowling Coach role
- 📈 Expanding ESG portfolio in sustainable agriculture
“I’ll bowl till my body cracks. Then I’ll teach kids to land it on a 10-cent piece.” – Sydney Morning Herald, 2025.
Sources & Further Reading:
Data updated to June 2025. Net worth in AUD ($1 AUD ≈ $0.67 USD).
