Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is hoping to turn impressive form in the Ryobi Cup into a start at the Ashes next month.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the 22-year-old NSW seamer was in the dressing room at the WACA Ground last summer when Ricky Ponting told his teammates he would be retiring after the third and final Test against South Africa in Perth.
It was an extraordinary initiation for the emerging star from Tamworth, the report said.
Hazlewood said that it was a pretty exciting series in South Africa and this one is going to be even bigger, adding that it would be good to get around the group again and he thought he was ready.
Hazlewood was called in as a member of an extended Australia squad before the first match of that series against the Proteas in Brisbane before being overlooked for another newcomer, John Hastings, when Siddle and Hilfenhaus were rested for the decider at the WACA, the report said.
His chances have risen leading into the five-match series against England due to injuries to James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc and Jackson Bird, the report added.
Hazlewood is among eight fit bowlers identified by Australian management as up for selection for the Gabba Test on November 21, according to the report.
