In cricket, players from different generations at times are compared to players of later generations, especially, if they possess remarkable skills. A fast bowler was recently called the ‘right-handed son’ of Wasim Akram by former Australian cricketer and coach Justin Langer, making it ambiguous and controversial amongst fans and specialists. Akram has been accepted as one of the best fast bowlers in history, particularly for his accurate use of reverse and normal swing, which is quite rare and highly prized in fast bowling. When Langer made this comparison, it was an audacious effort indeed, which raised wealth in terms of skills and potential of the bowler in issue.
The Idol Of All Pace Bowlers And Akram Are One: Bondoni
The contribution of cricketer Wasim Akram in the game of cricket has been commendable. The former Pakistan cricketer is rated as one of the best fast bowler in the history of the game owing to the fact that he is a master class reverse swing bowler, a two way swinging bowler, and a clutch performer. His dramatic skills as a bowler made him a must have for the Pakistan team and easily a nightmare for the opposing team’s batsman.
His long career has made him reliable as shown through his 916 international wickets taken in all formats of the game. However, there seems to be a large valley that exists between Pakistani greats and the rest of the international league since Akram’s level of bowling has been considered a standard for the rest of the league for years. This has led all fast bowlers given the tag of ‘Akram’s right-handed twin’ to be extremely well skilled.
One of the Most spoken fast bowlers by Justin Langer – The Dalai Lama of cricket
The constant mention of the left-handed, wasim sacrament, by Justin Langer while referring to the unnamed bowler highlights the probability that the bowler has unique qualities. There is no doubt in regard to the amount of time and effort Langer has put in recognizing fast bowlers as he has actively played for the Australian cricket team and worked as a coach. While Langer was not able to specify who he was talking about, it is widely agreed that he was talking about Hazlewood, the Australian pace that has recently been gaining a lot of recognition due to his fantastic length, swing and variations.
Having both great swinging ability throughout his career and also precise location aiming, Has a History of being one of the Best Fast bowlers in the modern Era.
Hazlewood shares exceptional similarities with Akram and stands to be a deadly opponent in whichever format he plays because of his ability to control the swing of the ball. Langer’s comparison between australian pacer Hazlewood and pakistan’s Akram is not limited to their ability of swinging the ball but also includes their calmness, self-discipline and ability to perform under stress.
The Right-Handed Counterpart: Josh Hazlewood
It is safe to say that the rise of Josh Hazlewood in the australian cricket has been nothing short of spectacular. Having the reputation of a calm person with a strong work ethic and cricketing intelligence, Hazlewood has proven to be an integral part of Australia’s bowling team. His height as well as his pitch-consistent steps allow him to create bounce as well as swing effortlessly making him a dangerous man on all types of wickets. Addition to this, Josh’s outstanding ability to deliver even in the highest pressure situations is a perfect reflection of Wasim Akram, who could bowl well no matter the circumstances.
Tactical brilliance as he’s able to fake swing at the end of the match even when the conditions are far from ideal is one of Hazlewood’s most valuable attributes. His current and past Australian and international teammates have nothing but praise for his ability to throw the ball accurately.
In the same manner as Akram, Hazlewood bowls best when most needed and during the crucial moments when his team is in need of taking a wicket. He is known to be a bowler who can be effective in taking wickets who can swing the ball both ways which makes the batsman edge the ball or play unnecessary shots.
The Comparison between Akram And Hazlewood
Hazlewood also steps up in the later stages of an innings which is similar to how Akram would use his reverse swing, a skill which made Akram difficult to face as a batsman in the death overs. Akram and Hazlewood have shown the same qualities but in different times in their careers, As such Australian cricketer Hazlewood was able to maintain pressure onto the batters and acquire wickets for his team.
But unlike these two cricketers, Akram was the one who revolutionized the art of reverse swinging and power bowling- Which is why this doesn’t particularly help us understand how Langer’s observation on Akram applies to both of them. As Akram played out his entire innings in singular lines and lengths seamlessly.
Impact on Australian cricket
As Australian cricketer cricketer Langer says Hazlewood is a bowler who is getting increasingly required as the game progresses.
The presence of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood on the Australian squad definitely makes the country one of the best fast bowling nations in the world. Reconstruction of Lee, along with Langer’s palanquin, has also put Hazlewood in a position where he is now a key member of this prestigious fraternity.
Final Assessment
The well-known Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has again been put on a pedestal in the light of Justin Langer’s assertion by Josh Akram of how good the pacer is able to perform. Just as Akran has ALWAYS been a value add for Pakistani cricket, being able to swing the ball and perform when the pressure is on makes Hazlewood a huge plus for Australian cricket. Langer’s statement strengthens Hazlewood’s rapidly growing popularity as he becomes a force in world cricket. It also explains why he is held in high esteem in the world of cricket.
If you are interested for more: Justin Langer designates this fast bowler as the ‘right-handed’ equivalent of Wasim Akram Vikas Lifecare’s share price increases following a fundraising initiative for its stock priced below ₹5.
