Hazlewood happy to lead Test attack

Australia

Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was pleased with his performance on day two of the third Test against New Zealand in Adelaide, saying he felt ready to lead the attack in the absence of Mitchell Starc.

Hazlewood was tasked with leading the bowlers after Starc was unable to bowl in the Black Caps' second innings, having injured his ankle, and Hazlewood took three wickets as the Black Caps fell to 116/5 at stumps.

The paceman had a long break after the Ashes, after he was set to be rested from the tour to Bangladesh, even though it was eventually cancelled, and he felt the break of two months did him the world of good.

Hazlewood said: "I feel good. I had a little break after the Ashes, and I was going to be rested from the Bangladesh tour, so I think that time was well used. 

"I recovered pretty well and was ready to go for the summer, so the body's feeling really good… better by each match.

"We're obviously going to miss (Starc) this innings, but I think everyone has the responsibility to step up a little bit and fill that gap, and I feel like I did that tonight.

"It's certainly up there (with as well as he's bowled in Test cricket). It's quite enjoyable bowling at night with that relatively new pink ball, and I think if you can just keep getting fresh batsmen coming in all the time and keep taking wickets, it's quite difficult to bat."

If Australia win the Test under lights then they will take the series two-nil.

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