Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc reach historic Test cricket milestone at
Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, both over 35, sent down record heavy overs in Australia's Durban Test win.
Hazlewood (35) and Starc (36) bowled 32.5 and 33 overs respectively in the five-day victory, with Pat Cummins adding 29. It was the first time all three topped 29 overs in the same Test since the 2024-25 home opener.
Hazlewood took 6-49, his best figures and biggest workload in a year. Only twice in 149 years of Test cricket has Australia opened with two 35-plus year old bowlers before this recent run.
The challenge now is tougher pitches. Australia's curators are moving away from green seamers toward longer, more balanced Tests.
Hazlewood says he takes it match by match, noting older athletes often enter a "golden period" where records fade and freedom takes over.
- 35 years old, 32.5 overs
- Hazlewood age and overs
- 36 years old, 33 overs
- Starc age and overs
- 6-49
- Hazlewood's best figures
- Twice
- Times Australia opened with two 35-plus
Why it mattersAustralia's most vital bowlers are managing unprecedented workloads deep into their thirties, risking injury to maintain the team's pace attack.
AustraliaAustralia's fast bowlers will face longer Tests and less seam-friendly pitches at home, shifting the balance toward batting this summer.
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