Mitchell Johnson Critiques Josh Hazlewood's IPL Return Amid WTC Final Loss
Hazlewood's Controversial IPL Comeback
The return of Josh Hazlewood 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, resulting in the loss of their WTC title in just four days, has brought Hazlewood's underwhelming performance into focus.
Initially, Hazlewood was not expected to rejoin the Royal Challengers Bengaluru due to injury concerns and the impending WTC Final. The IPL faced delays due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, leading Hazlewood to seemingly prioritize his national duties. However, he returned late to India 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.
Johnson's Concerns Over Team Selection
In his column for a local 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 impact team performance during pivotal moments. Johnson urged selectors to consider more committed players, mentioning Sam Konstas, Josh Inglis, and Scott Boland as worthy candidates for future opportunities.
His comments reflect a growing concern regarding the balance between franchise commitments and national priorities, especially as significant Test matches approach.
Johnson noted, "We’ve seen concerns about Hazlewood’s fitness in recent years, and his choice to prioritize the delayed IPL over national team preparations raised eyebrows." He further stated, "Our successful 'big four' bowling attack 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 their mindset. It’s vital to embrace the future and instill confidence in selecting our next Test players."
Future of Australian Cricket
Johnson continued, "Players on the fringe like Sam Konstas, Josh Inglis, and Scott Boland, despite their age, possess a different mentality. They are eager to prove themselves whenever given a chance. I’m not being overly critical of an aging team that has accomplished much together. Our established players, including the senior bowling quartet, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne, have achieved significant milestones."
He concluded by stressing the importance of making tough decisions at the right time. The upcoming three-Test series against the West Indies presents an excellent opportunity to give deserving players a chance to shine. He mentioned that Smith's finger injury might serve as a catalyst for regeneration within the team. Identifying a specialist No. 3 batsman is crucial, and given Labuschagne's form over the past 18 months, it would be challenging to justify moving him back into that position. Johnson cautioned against making simultaneous changes to all top-three batting slots, suggesting that selectors are unlikely to pursue that route.