Reversal of fortune: Hazlewood says old-ball swing ‘crucial’ to South Africa triumph

Reversal of fortune: Hazlewood says old-ball swing ‘crucial’ to South Africa triumph Josh Hazlewood described the use of reverse swing as "crucial" to Australia's success in the ongoing Test series against South Africa, highlighting how the technique played a pivotal role in his standout performance during the first Test. Hazlewood took six wickets for 49 runs, with notable dismissals involving sharp movement off the old ball. He emphasized that the conditions in Gqeberha, characterized by traditional cricket grounds with wicket squares that scuff the ball, were ideal for generating reverse swing. Hazlewood noted that the focus on reverse swing contrasted sharply with the conditions typically found in Australia, where pitches tend to favor seam movement over reverse swing. "With [wickets in] Australia being the green seamers, it just doesn't get talked about at all," he said. "The ball still looks new late in the innings if it gets that far." According to CricViz data, Hazlewood's performance marked the highest level of old-ball movement he had achieved in a Test match since the Durban Test in 2018. He explained that the abrasive nature of the wickets in South Africa contributed significantly to the deterioration of the ball, allowing for effective reverse swing. Hazlewood anticipated similar conditions at St George’s Park, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, though heavy rain forecasts for the first two days of the upcoming Test could influence the surface. "The conditions sort of dictate it," he said. "If the wicket is hard, firm, deteriorating, and with not much seam movement, you're probably going to get that reverse swing just due to the basic conditions of the ground and the square and the wicket." Hazlewood also commented on the competition within the Australian bowling unit, particularly acknowledging the rising star Scott Boland. He praised Boland's consistency and noted that his presence eased the pressure on other bowlers such as Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc should they need to sit out due to injuries. "He barely bowls poorly," Hazlewood said. "Every net session, the boys come in and it's like, 'Oh, Scotty again.' I think he'll play a part in this series and in the next 12 to 18 months." Hazlewood highlighted Kagiso Rabada's impact on the series, describing the South African pace bowler as a "material change factor" due to his impressive wicket-taking record against Australia. "I think he’s probably got both there," Hazlewood said of Rabada's skill and leadership combination. "The skill set’s amazing. His strike rate’s second to none, I think, in terms of numbers. Every time he plays against us, he seems to create a bit of havoc." Hazlewood added that Rabada's leadership qualities complemented his exceptional bowling skills, making him a formidable opponent. The Australian fast bowler expressed confidence that the Proteas' squad, led by captain Temba Bavuma, would continue to pose challenges throughout the series. Hazlewood's insights underscored the significance of reverse swing in shaping the outcome of the Test series, with both teams relying heavily on the technique to gain an edge over their opponents. As the series progresses, the conditions and strategies employed by both sides will remain critical factors in determining the eventual result.