Josh Hazlewood's Career-Best 6/49 Takes Him Past Brett Lee to 311 Test Wickets

Josh Hazlewood produced a career-best 6 for 49 in the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban. The spell took him to 311 Test wickets. He went past Brett Lee's 310 and moved up Australia's all-time list.

The figures of 6/49 are the best of Hazlewood's Test career. They helped Australia win the match by 214 runs. South Africa were bowled out for 206 while chasing a target of 421. Hazlewood did most of the damage.

Hazlewood has been a steady performer for Australia for more than a decade. He bowls tight lines and gets bounce from a good length. He rarely gives batters easy runs. That consistency has made him one of the most reliable bowlers in the Australian attack. Passing Lee is a proud moment for any Australian fast bowler. Lee was one of the quickest bowlers of his era and a big match-winner for the team.

The milestone adds to a big week for Australia in Durban. Matt Renshaw scored a career-best 190 and was named Player of the Match. Steve Smith took his 221st Test catch and became the most successful non-wicketkeeper fielder in Test history. Now Hazlewood has his own record to celebrate.

Hazlewood also took the early wicket of Ryan Rickelton, who fell for a duck on Day 2. That strike helped Australia put pressure on South Africa from the start of their reply.

Australia now lead the three-match series 1-0. They have won four Tests in a row at Durban. The series moves to Gqeberha for the next Test. Hazlewood will carry plenty of confidence into that match.

The win also lifts Australia to the top of the World Test Championship table with 81.82%. For a team chasing a place in the final, a bowler in this kind of form is a big boost.