Josh Hazelwood tricked into signing ‘autograph’ by Barmy Army

Hazelwood was the victim of a great prank by the Barmy

Australian bowler Josh Hazelwood was the victim of a hilarious prank after he was tricked into signing an 'autograph' by the Barmy Army. The England-supporting fanatics were there in Brisbane to see the side fall to defeat in the first test of the Ashes after the Australians secured a nine-wicket victory. Despite the performances of captain Joe Root and Dawid Malan on day three it wasn't enough as the all-too-familiar batting collapse came after Malan was dismissed just four overs into the the day, before England were eventually bowled out for 297. It left Australia with the simple task of chasing 20 runs, doing so with ease as they took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series at the Gabba. https://twitter.com/btsportcricket/status/1469507810094374920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1469507810094374920%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.joe.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fengland-collapse-to-hand-australia-comfortable-win-in-first-ashes-test-305677 But for all of the disappointment of England's performance, there was still some smiles to be had after the prank on Hazelwood. As customary when fielding on the boundary ropes, many players sign autographs for fans in the stands and one supporter caught the fast bowler out. Not to the 30-year-old's knowledge, he in fact signed a piece of paper which made reference to the 2018 Australian ball-tampering scandal which saw Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft all suspended for their parts played. It was later revealed on Twitter what the picture said, with the caption mocking Hazelwood saying: "Josh Hazelwood just signed this on the boundary, we knew it," before posting a laughing face emoji. Meanwhile the picture itself said:  “I Joshua ‘Joshie’ Hazlewood do solemnly sear (sic) that I knew it was sandpaper.

“Josh Hazelwood (sic) 11/12/2021.”

https://twitter.com/thebarmyarmy/status/1469477760192192518?s=21   It was a small consolation in an otherwise disappointing first-test experience for the travelling fans as supporters of England will hope for a much-improved display in the second test at Adelaide, which beings on 16 December. Related links:

• England collapse to hand Australia comfortable win in first Ashes Test
• Queensland Police troll England after Ashes batting collapse
• Michael Vaughan removed from BT Sport’s Ashes coverage following Azeem Rafiq’s racism claims