Hazlewood Under Fire for Choosing IPL Over WTC Preparation
Former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has openly criticized Josh Hazlewood for his decision to return to the IPL 2025 just before the crucial World Test Championship (WTC) Final, which Australia lost to South Africa.
IPL vs National Duty Debate Reignites
Hazlewood, who played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), joined the IPL’s final phase after it resumed post the India-Pakistan conflict. While Mitchell Starc chose to stay back and focus on Test preparation, Hazlewood claimed the IPL offered the perfect intensity to get match-ready.
“There’s no better place than the IPL to build intensity,” Hazlewood said.
“Wherever I am in the world, I’ve got to be bowling.”
Despite his confidence, Hazlewood managed just two wickets in the WTC final as South Africa clinched the title with a five-wicket win.
Mitchell Johnson Criticizes Hazlewood’s Priorities
In a column for The West Australian, Johnson raised concerns about Hazlewood’s decision-making and fitness.
“Hazlewood’s choice to rejoin the IPL over preparing for the WTC final raised eyebrows,” Johnson wrote.
“His fitness has been a concern, and prioritising the IPL didn’t help Australia’s cause.”
Johnson also suggested that the “Big Four” of Australian bowling—Hazlewood, Cummins, Starc, and Lyon—may no longer be automatic selections moving forward.
Time for Transition in Australian Test Team
Young Players Deserve Opportunities
Johnson emphasized the importance of embracing the future, pointing to names like Sam Konstas, Josh Inglis, and Scott Boland as players with the right mentality and hunger to prove themselves.
“They’re not just filling spots. They’re hungry, and they bring a different mindset,” he noted.
Perfect Time to Rebuild
Johnson believes the upcoming three-Test series against the West Indies is the right opportunity to test new talent. With Steve Smith injured, it could mark the beginning of a transition phase.
“We must make tough calls now. Rebuilding gradually, not all at once, will ensure stability,” he said.
“Replacing all top-three batting slots together would be risky, and I doubt selectors will go that far.”
