“England’s batting line-up is unbelievable, it’s a real challenge” – Josh Hazlewood ahead of Ashes 2025-26
Josh Hazlewood praised the recent performances of Harry Brook and Joe Root, noting that both batters have been in exceptional form. Speaking ahead of the Ashes 2025-26, the Australian pacer admitted that England possess a formidable batting line-up and that his side will face a tough challenge in countering them during the five-match series. Josh Hazlewood: The Ashes 2025-26 marks the next Test series for both Australia and England in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. The highly anticipated contest begins on November 21 in Perth, with the final Test scheduled in Sydney from January 4-8, 2026. Australia enter the series on the back of a commanding 3-0 whitewash over the West Indies, while England are coming off a hard-fought 2-2 draw in their five-match series against India. Josh Hazlewood Praises England’s Batting Depth Ahead of Ashes 2025-26 In a chat with ESPNCricinfo, Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood lauded England’s batting strength, highlighting the form of Harry Brook and Joe Root. Hazlewood believes both players are well-prepared to make an impact during the upcoming Ashes series in Australia. “England have had pretty flat wickets in recent years, along with a dry summer, so spin is starting to play more of a role. I think Brook will adapt quickly. He’s a quality player, ranked among the best in the world, and will be a tough challenge,” Josh Hazlewood said. He further added, “A fresh face like Harry Brook can play with freedom, without any baggage. Joe Root is probably in the form of his life as well. England’s top seven have been outstanding in Tests—they really are an unbelievable batting line-up. It’s going to be a real challenge.” Josh Hazlewood: Meanwhile, Australia are set to face New Zealand in a T20I series and India in a white-ball series before the Ashes begins. England, on the other hand, will take on South Africa and New Zealand in white-ball cricket, along with a T20I series against Ireland. Several Australian players will also feature in the Sheffield Shield as preparation for the marquee Ashes contest. Sign Up Fast For E2bet And Enjoy A Free Bonus On Your First Registration
Virat Kohli Fires Up, Rushes to Dugout as Hazlewood’s Clutch 19th Over Seals Win Against RR
Virat Kohli delivered a solid performance with the bat and then stole the spotlight with his trademark celebrations during RCB’s thrilling win over RR on Thursday. Kohli’s Passionate Celebration Marks RCB’s First Home Win in IPL 2025 Virat Kohli, known for wearing his heart on his sleeve, displayed raw emotion on Thursday night at the Chinnaswamy Stadium as Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured their first home win of the IPL 2025 season. With Rajasthan Royals needing 18 runs off the last two overs, RCB’s chances of a comeback seemed slim. However, Josh Hazlewood’s exceptional bowling performance—conceding just one run and taking two crucial wickets—shifted the momentum in RCB’s favor. Kohli, stationed near the boundary, erupted in celebration, roaring, pumping his fists, and racing into the dugout to embrace every teammate in sight. His passion was evident as he celebrated both Jofra Archer’s wicket in the penultimate over and Wanindu Hasaranga’s dismissal in the final over. The emotional outbursts reflected the intense back-and-forth nature of the match, which saw the two teams locked in a thrilling contest. For Rajasthan Royals, the 11-run defeat all but dashed their playoff hopes, marking their seventh loss in nine matches and leaving them with little room for recovery in the race for the playoffs. Watch: 𝙀𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 that speak louder than words 🥳#TATAIPL | #RCBvRR | @imVkohli | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/Q4B09fkllE — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 24, 2025 Virat Kohli played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s commanding victory over Rajasthan Royals, steadying the innings after a nervy start. Despite some early streaky boundaries, Kohli grew into his fluent best, scoring 70 runs off 42 balls—his first fifty at home this season and fifth overall. Alongside Devdutt Padikkal, who contributed a brisk 50 off 27 balls, Kohli helped stitch a 95-run partnership for the second wicket, guiding RCB to a competitive total of 205 on a sluggish surface. The late surge for RCB came from Jitesh Sharma and Tim David, whose calculated aggression ensured the team crossed the 200-mark, adding valuable runs in the final overs. In reply, Rajasthan Royals made a fast start, with Yashasvi Jaiswal blasting 49 runs off just 19 balls. He took on Hazlewood, hitting five boundaries and a six, but the Aussie pacer had the last laugh, forcing Jaiswal into a miscue that was caught at mid-wicket. RR’s 14-year-old impact player, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, entertained briefly with two sixes before being dismissed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s knuckleball. Dhruv Jurel (47) mounted a gritty resistance, but RCB’s bowlers, led by Hazlewood’s impressive 4/33, maintained pressure and restricted RR’s chase. With the win, RCB climbed to third place on the IPL 2025 points table, with six wins from nine matches. They now face Delhi Capitals in an away match on Sunday, where RCB remain undefeated on the road, having won all four of their away games this season. E2bet: Welcome! Enjoy a Unique Betting Experience!