Reverse swing could be key factor in South Africa-Australia Test series, says Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood, the Australian fast bowler, has highlighted reverse swing as a potentially decisive factor in the forthcoming Test series between South Africa and Australia.

Reverse swing, a bowling technique that has become less prominent in modern cricket, could gain significance if conditions favour it during the series. The skill involves the ball deviating in an unexpected direction due to wear and tear on one side of the ball.

Hazlewood's assessment comes as the technique has gradually diminished in recent years due to greener pitches and well-maintained outfields that keep the ball newer for longer, reducing the likelihood of the ball roughing up sufficiently to produce the desired effect.