Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood reached another major milestone during the third Test against South Africa. He dismissed Aiden Markram to claim his 312th Test wicket.
The wicket helped Hazlewood move past former India pacers Ishant Sharma and Zaheer Khan. Both finished their Test careers with 311 wickets. Hazlewood now sits 35th on the all-time list of Test wicket-takers.
Hazlewood has reached the mark in 81 Tests for Australia. He made his Test debut in 2014 and has remained one of Australia’s most reliable fast bowlers.
The 35-year-old has taken his 312 wickets at an impressive average of 23.91. His economy rate stands at 2.78. He has also recorded 11 five-wicket hauls and 15 four-wicket hauls in Test cricket.
His latest milestone comes after a strong start to the series against South Africa. In the first Test at Kingsmead in Durban, Hazlewood produced career-best figures of 6/49 in the final innings.
He finished that match with eight wickets. Australia went on to win the Test by 214 runs.
Hazlewood moves ahead of two India greats
Hazlewood had already moved past several famous bowlers earlier in the series. He went beyond Brett Lee’s 310 wickets. He also passed Fred Trueman’s 307 wickets.
Morne Morkel and Lance Gibbs, who both finished with 309 Test wickets, were also left behind by Hazlewood.
Ishant Sharma played 105 Tests for India and took 311 wickets at an average of 32.40. He recorded 11 five-wicket hauls and 10 four-wicket hauls.
Zaheer Khan claimed 311 wickets in 92 Tests. He averaged 32.94 and also took 11 five-wicket hauls.
Hazlewood has now gone past both Indian pacers in fewer matches. With the South Africa series still ongoing, he has the chance to move further up the all-time rankings.
