Glenn McGrath predicts a big future for Josh Hazlewood

Hazlewood was presented his 'Baggy Green' cap by McGrath

Australia pace legend Glenn McGrath believes Josh Hazlewood has what it takes to have a long and fruitful test career if he sticks to his strengths, reports cricket.com.au.

McGrath, whose 563 wickets are the most by any fast bowler in Tests, said Hazlewood’s simple action means not “much can go wrong” in his autobiography Test of Will.

Although Hazlewood is a long way away from overtaking the Australian legend, McGrath likes what he sees in the right-arm fast bowler.

"He has a simple action, he's tall, he can get the ball through well, and he swings the ball," McGrath writes in his autobiography Test of Will. "The reason I'm happy with what I see is there doesn't seem too much that can go wrong.

"He won't have to undergo too much change or a complete revamp to unravel any problems.”

Although the 45-year-old admitted that longevity is difficult to attain, as a fast bowler, he believes that the 24-year-old has the mental fortitude, coupled with simple action and good physique to achieve just that.

“From what I can understand he's come through all of (the injuries) with an approach that nothing is going to stop him from getting to where he wants to be," he said. "And I applaud that.

"(He) appears to have a very good work ethic and a desire to succeed.”

He was also quick to add that he would be “the first to congratulate him” if Hazlewood overtakes his tally of 563 Test scalps. McGrath, who spoke with Hazlewood during the fourth Ashes Test earlier this year at Trent Bridge, also urged Hazlewood to stick to line-and-length and not stray away from his strengths.

“I thought Josh would have bowled really well over here,” McGrath told cricket.com.au. "I was looking forward to it. (I’m) a little bit disappointed for him. A lot of people have been saying if you want to be successful at Test level you’ve got to be able to swing the ball consistently, bowl an outswinger.

"I wanted to be successful so I started swinging the ball (and) didn’t have the control. I played a game (against) England, 1994-95 series in Brisbane. Finished with 0-120 and didn’t play the next three games. I learned my lesson there, went back to the reason I got picked, started hitting the right areas and the rest his history.

“I’d like to see him go back to hitting the deck more. If he can get a little more outswing, great, but make sure you don’t lose that bounce.”