Australia’s senior fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has come under criticism from former Aussie pacer Mitchell Johnson for prioritising a delayed 2025 IPL stint over preparing for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Australia lost the final to South Africa by five wickets inside four days at Lord’s, with Hazlewood managing to pick only two wickets in the match.
Hazlewood was initially unlikely to rejoin Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the remainder of the IPL after the tournament was suspended for a week due to escalating India-Pakistan tensions. He also had injury concerns. However, he returned to play the last few matches before the WTC final.
In his West Australian column, Johnson wrote, “We’ve seen concerns about Hazlewood’s fitness in recent years, and his decision to prioritise returning to the delayed Indian Premier League over his national team preparations raised eyebrows.”
“It’s crucial that we embrace the future” – Johnson
Johnson also questioned the mindset of some senior players. “Our successful ‘big four’ bowling attack of Mitchell Starc, Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon can’t be taken for granted as a lock going forward either. If veteran players are sticking around just for the Ashes as a send-off, it does beg the question of whether that’s the right mindset. It’s crucial that we embrace the future and build confidence in selecting our next Test players.”
Backing emerging names and fresh energy, Johnson added, “Players on the fringe such as Sam Konstas, Josh Inglis and Scott Boland, despite being 36, have a different mentality. They’re eager to prove themselves every time they get a chance. I’m not being overly critical of an ageing team which has achieved plenty together. Our established players including the senior bowling quartet, Usman Khawaja, (Steve) Smith and (Marnus) Labuschagne have achieved some great things.”
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