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Lord's pitch will suit Aussies, says Hazlewood

Cape Town - Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood believes they will benefit more than England if the hosts decide to prepare a wicket with plenty of movement for the second Ashes Test at Lord's.

The Aussies marched to a big victory in the first Test of the series at Edgbaston on a surface that offered little in the way of seam movement for the pace bowlers.

Plenty has been spoken about what sort of pitch will be prepared for the second Test that starts at the Home of Cricket on Wednesday (12:00 SA time).

Hazlewood, who did not play at Edgbaston, feel the England pacemen will want more assistance to counter Steve Smith, who scored hundreds in both innings in Birmingham.

"I think there'll be a little bit more in it (at Lord's), but in saying that, probably their best exponent, Jimmy (James Anderson), is not going to play," Hazlewood said.

"So that might weigh up different options, but I think there'll be more in it, maybe just to try to get (Steve) Smithy out.

"But him batting on those sort of tracks is very hard work. I think it suits us as much as them if there is more in the wicket, so we'll weigh it up."

Hazlewood and left-arm quick Mitchell Starc both found themselves sitting on the sideline in the first Test but could come into contention for next week's contest.

Australia opted to play Pat Cummins, James Pattinson and veteran Peter Siddle in the first game and Hazlewood said it is the variety in the fast bowlers that will make them ready for any surface they encounter.

"We've got three guys with proper air speed and we've got three guys who seam and swing it a little bit, so I think that's what they've got six quicks for, to have all bases covered," added Hazlewood.

"And I guess it's just who's bowling the best at that particular time and who gets the nod."

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