Rohit Sharma never looks to bludgeon the ball – Josh Hazlewood

Australia’s fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has heaped praise on Indian limited overs vice-captain Rohit Sharma. Hazlewood, who is known to bowl a tight line and length, stated that Rohit has got the extra time while facing the quick bowlers. The flamboyant batsman doesn’t look to smash the ball and he relies on his timing to get runs.

Hazlewood praised Rohit for playing the short ball with aplomb. Rohit has a great record while playing the short pitched deliveries and it seems like he has an extra second while playing the bouncers.

Rohit’s batting is a treat to the eyes and it is all about elegance and timing. The right-hander has a solid technique and his record in white-ball format is brilliant.

The Mumbai batsman has a great record while playing against Australia in the ODI format. Rohit has scored 2208 runs in 40 ODI matches at an impressive average of 61.33 versus Australia. In fact, Rohit’s first of three double centuries had come against Australia in 2013 at Bengaluru when he scored a fine knock of 209 runs.

On the other hand, Rohit has scored 279 runs in five Test matches against Australia at an average of 31. Rohit’s numbers are not that impressive in the T20I format against Australia as he has scored 318 runs in 19 matches at an average of 22.71.

I think it’s just with the ease that he (Rohit Sharma) plays, especially anything back of a length, anything short, just puts it away with such ease. It’s just an area in which he gets better, I think. He never looks to bludgeon the ball, just pure class and elegance. His records, especially in white-ball cricket, is phenomenal,” Hazlewood said on the Cricket Connected Show on Star Sports.

Hazlewood added that it is frustrating to bowl against modern-day batsmen as they are relentless. The Australian pacer stated it doesn’t matter how fast you bowl, the batters are mostly at the top of their game.

Rohit has a great record in the ODI format as he has scored 9115 runs in 224 ODI matches at an average of 49.27 with the help of 29 centuries. The right-hander is the most consistent white-ball batsman and his records speak for himself. The stylish batsman has been instrumental in providing a solid foundation to the team with his opening partner Shikhar Dhawan.