England's batting line-up will be unbelievable in Ashes: Josh Hazlewood

Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has admitted that the upcoming Ashes series will be one of the biggest tests of his career as he prepares to take on what he calls a formidable England batting lineup. He heaped praise on Joe Root and Harry Brook, two of England's finest Test batters, who headline a side that has not won the Ashes in Australia since the 2010-11 series.

Hazlewood commended the strength of England's top order, calling it the most dangerous unit he has faced in an Ashes contest. Among the key players, he highlighted Harry Brook, ranked No. 2 in the world, and Joe Root, Test cricket's second-highest run-scorer, who he feels is in the form of his career.

"England has obviously played on quite flat wickets in recent years, and it's been a really dry summer as well, so they are probably starting to get tired and spin now. I think [Brook] will adapt. He's a good player. He's at the top of the rankings for a reason, and he'll be a tough challenge," Hazlewood said.

The experienced pacer also believes that vice-captain Brook's aggressive style could suit Australian conditions, even though this will be his first Ashes tour down under. The 25-year-old has already amassed 2,820 runs at an average of 57.55, including 10 centuries in just 30 Tests.

"I think a fresh face like Harry Brook might find it easier. There's no baggage behind him and he can just come out and play with freedom as he does. Joe's [Root] probably in the form of his life as well. So they're an unbelievable batting line, to be honest. The top seven have done really well... so it's a challenge," he added.

Root, despite having played 14 Tests in Australia, is yet to score a century there, and Hazlewood feels this could be his breakthrough series.

Match intensity is key

Hazlewood's preparations underline how seriously he is taking the series. While bowling partners Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc opted to rest and manage workloads, the 33-year-old chose to keep himself in rhythm by playing in the white-ball series against South Africa, featuring in three T20Is and two ODIs.

"It felt like over the last 12 months, the best way for me to go about it is just keep on ticking over, keep playing, not having too long off bowling. I find getting back to that intensity and volume is quite tough for me. So if I can just keep staying up there, match intensity as long as I can, then that's sort of the best way for me to go about it," he explained.

The much-anticipated five-Test Ashes series begins on 21 November at Optus Stadium in Perth.