As India and Australia gear up for their much-anticipated ODI series starting on October 19 at Optus Stadium, Perth, the focus will be on two bowlers: Mohammed Siraj and Josh Hazlewood—a pair of proven accuracy and effectiveness in fast, limited-overs bowling. 
With Jasprit Bumrah rested, Siraj comes back to lead India's attack and will look to grab a spot after he missed the 2025 Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, Australia will look to Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc to take over for the injured Pat Cummins. 

Pace Battle: Siraj's Fire vs. Hazlewood's Accuracy 

Both players have had success given their different styles: Siraj providing aggression and swing and Hazlewood control and discipline. 
Siraj made his international debut in 2019 against Australia, taking 71 wickets in 44 ODIs. His best bowling figures of 6/21 came against Sri Lanka in 2023 when he tore through their batting order. 

Hazlewood made his ODI debut in 2010 against England and has proven to be one of Australia's most reliable pace bowlers. He has 72 wickets thus far in ODIs, also in 44 matches, as he remained consistent from his first match.

Statistics That Count: Average, Strike Rate, and Economy Referring to his bowling metrics, Siraj sustains a bowling average of 24.04 and a strike rate of 27.82 for an economy of 5.18. This illustrates that he gets wickets routinely without conceding many runs.

Hazlewood has been marginally more economical in terms of runs per over at 4.47, while maintaining a strong average of 25.15 and strike rate of 31.86 in his first 44 ODIs.

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Impact in Victories: Delivering When It Counts

Siraj's performance is at its peak when India wins. Out of 44 ODIs, India has won 33 with Siraj in the line-up—during which he has taken 59 wickets at an average of 20.47, a strike rate of 25.44, and an economy of 4.83. 

Hazlewood's record in winning causes is similarly sound. In his first 44 ODIs, Australia won 26, and the seam bowler picked up 45 wickets (with an average of 24.58 and economy of 4.76)—showing his penetrative spells and excellent control.

With nearly identical numbers after 44 ODIs, both Siraj and Hazlewood stand shoulder to shoulder statistically. Siraj’s aggression and wicket-taking bursts are perfectly matched by Hazlewood’s discipline and consistency.
As India and Australia lock horns in Perth, this battle between two world-class pacers could well decide who takes the upper hand in the opening ODI clash.