Mitchell Johnson Critiques Josh Hazlewood's IPL Return Ahead of WTC Final
Josh Hazlewood's Controversial IPL Comeback
Josh Hazlewood's decision to return for the remainder of the 2025 IPL season, just before the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, has drawn sharp criticism from former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson. Australia's defeat to South Africa by five wickets at Lord's resulted in them losing their WTC title in just four days, highlighting Hazlewood's underwhelming performance.
Initially, Hazlewood was not expected to rejoin the Royal Challengers Bengaluru due to concerns over his fitness and the impending WTC Final. The IPL faced delays due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, leading many to believe Hazlewood would focus on his national duties. However, he returned late and participated in the final matches of the IPL. During the WTC Final, he managed to take only two wickets, raising doubts about his readiness for the crucial game.
In his column for a prominent publication, Johnson expressed skepticism about the timing of Hazlewood's return, labeling it a poor decision. He clarified that he did not intend to be overly critical but emphasized that such choices could significantly impact team performance during critical moments. Johnson urged selectors to consider more committed players, mentioning Sam Konstas, Josh Inglis, and Scott Boland as worthy candidates for future opportunities.
Johnson's comments reflect a growing concern regarding the balance between franchise cricket and national priorities, especially leading up to significant Test matches.
He noted, "We have seen ongoing concerns about Hazlewood's fitness in recent years, and his choice to prioritize the delayed IPL over national team preparations raised eyebrows."
"Our successful bowling lineup of Mitchell Starc, Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon cannot be taken for granted moving forward. If veteran players are only around for the Ashes as a farewell, it raises questions about the right mindset. It's vital to embrace the future and build confidence in selecting our next Test players," Johnson added.
"Players like Sam Konstas, Josh Inglis, and Scott Boland, despite being 36, possess a different mentality. They are eager to prove themselves whenever given the chance. I am not overly critical of an aging team that has achieved much together. Our established players, including the senior bowling quartet, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne, have accomplished great things," Johnson remarked.
He further stated, "It's crucial to determine the right time for tough decisions. The upcoming three-Test tour of the Windies presents an excellent opportunity to allow deserving players to shine, and Smith's finger injury might prompt some necessary changes. Identifying a specialist No.3 is essential, and given Labuschagne's form over the past 18 months, it's challenging to justify moving him back into that position. Attempting to alter all top-three batting slots simultaneously would indeed be risky, and I doubt the selectors will pursue that path."