Hazlewood warns England batting will test Australia in Ashes prep

Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood warned on Thursday that England's batting lineup will pose one of the toughest challenges of his career ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes, and said he expects to use Sheffield Shield cricket to sharpen his red-ball preparation before the first Test in Perth in late November. Hazlewood praised the visitors' depth, singled out Joe Root and Harry Brook as particular threats, and said Australia will need to be at full strength to meet the challenge.

"I think Brook will adapt. He's a good player. He's at the top of the rankings for a reason, and he'll be a tough challenge," Hazlewood said, adding that Root appears to be "in the form of his life." He described England's top seven as "an unbelievable batting line" and said the side will be a serious test for Australia's attack. Hazlewood made the comments at an event promoting Play Cricket Week and in interviews with cricket media.

Brook, ranked second in the ICC Test batting list behind Root, will be making his first full Test tour of Australia and has limited long-form experience in Australian conditions. Hazlewood noted that Brook's lack of negative past experiences Down Under could be an advantage,...