Josh Hazlewood's rising status on the radar of national selectors will take another step forward on Wednesday when it's expected he will be named in Australia's squad for next month's one-day international series against South Africa.
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The 23-year-old quick from Tamworth enjoyed a fine Matador Cup tournament, finishing behind only NSW teammate Gurinder Sandhu on the event's top bowler list with 14 wickets, and can now confirm his place in Australia's World Cup plans with a standout campaign against the Proteas.
Hazlewood has played only two ODIs for Australia - the last in September last year - despite his debut more than four years ago. Injuries have impeded his emergence but he is viewed as a serious candidate to make a breakthrough at Test and limited-overs level this summer.
Australia's most successful Test quick, Glenn McGrath, is a fan, and on Tuesday predicted he would have a big impact at international level.
"I can't say enough good things about him. I think it won't be long before he gets the opportunity. He has the potential to be a quality international bowler," McGrath said.
"He's tall, strong, bowls good areas and it doesn't matter what type of wicket it is, he seems to extract that little bit of bounce out of it. He's just on you all the time, and talking to guys who play with him and against him, there are big raps on him. I think that is a fair indication."
Australia is tipped to name a squad for the first two ODIs against South Africa in Perth and is likely to rest veteran wicketkeeper Brad Haddin to freshen him up for a long summer.
The Proteas were due to arrive on Tuesday and begin the limited-overs tour with a match against a Cricket Australia XI at North Sydney Oval on Sunday. The first of five ODIs is at the WACA ground on November 14.
