YEARS of toil will culminate in Josh Hazlewood fulfilling every boy’s dream today when he becomes Australia’s 440th Test cricketer.
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The towering Bendemeer paceman will receive his long-coveted baggy green cap in a ceremony before the second Test in Brisbane.
The 23-year-old, who carried the drinks after coming agonisingly close to making his debut in Adelaide last week, was told of his selection yesterday.
“I’m obviously pretty excited,” he told The Leader.
“I’ve been close a few times, but I feel more ready now than I ever have been.”
Proud parents Trevor and Ann, as well as siblings Aaron and Casey, will all be in Brisbane to cheer Hazlewood on from the stands of the Gabba.
Trevor conceded he might have to wipe away a tear or two if he was to actually see his son deliver his first ball in Test cricket.
“As long as he just does his best, I’ll be happy,” he said.
“He’s used to playing in front of large crowds in one-dayers and Twenty20s, so I think he’ll be right.
“I just hope he enjoys it and has fun and does his job.”
Hazlewood’s talent with the ball was obvious to all followers of Tamworth cricket, even before he hit his teens.
But Trevor said it was his son’s work ethic and determination that distinguished him from his peers.
“Attitude, that’s the major thing with Josh. If you’ve got a bad attitude at that level, you won’t last,” he said.
