Five-wicket haul gives me massive confidence, says Australian bowler Josh Hazlewood

Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood said the five-wicket haul against India in his debut Test in Brisbane on Thursday will give him "massive confidence" going ahead in his international cricket career.

The 23-year-old pacer took 5-68 on debut as the visitors were bowled out for 408 on day two of the second Test against India.

"It gives me massive confidence going forward," he said. "I thought I was bowling well even though with the white ball. I just played one Shield game this year coming into this game. But it felt like the ball was coming out of my hand very well, the best it ever has in fact. Taking five wickets in this first Test is very good for my confidence, an added bonus."

The young bowler became the 33rd Australian to take a five-wicket haul on Test debut. He was also the third bowler after Brett Lee (5-47 at Melbourne in 1999) and Jason Krezja (8-215 at Nagpur in 2008) to do so against India.
He has expressed his delight on snapping up his maiden five-wicket haul in his very first Test.

"I personally started the summer well in limited overs cricket and always dreamt of doing it in Tests. It was great to have my family here, to have them see me get the Baggy Green yesterday and perform today for the team. It was a very proud moment," said Hazlewood.

Talking about the cramps suffered on Wednesday, he said, "I took a lot of fluids overnight. It was like a casualty ward yesterday. We knew what we had to do to recover to perform today and all credit to the support staff for helping us. It was hot yesterday and today, but that is part of Test cricket. We have to adapt to the conditions and do as best as you can when playing Test cricket. I have never experienced cramps like that before. Maybe nervousness of playing my first Test also affected me. But it was good today as I got through it and obviously I am very happy with the way I bowled today," he added.

India lost their last six wickets for 96 runs and then Australia scored 221/4 in reply, reducing the lead to 187 runs, with the match hanging in balance going into day three.

"It was obviously tough yesterday and today as well. The wicket is good for taking wickets if you bowl well as we have seen. If you bowl poorly the boundaries just keep coming. It is tough to bat once new batsman comes in, but once you settle down you can really cash in," he signed off.