Former Aussie fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has taken a swipe at Josh Hazlewood. He did so by choosing to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) over preparing for Australia’s World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa.
Australia lost the high-stakes match by five wickets at Lord’s, and Hazlewood’s decision has stirred controversy.
Hazlewood’s IPL Priorities Raise Questions
“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,” Johnson wrote in The West Australian.
Hazlewood had helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinch their maiden IPL trophy with 22 wickets. After the tournament was suspended due to India-Pakistan border tensions, he briefly returned home. He later rejoined RCB when the league resumed.
Time to Look Beyond the ‘Big Four’?
Johnson questioned whether Australia’s core bowling group, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, should remain untouchable. “Our successful ‘big four’ bowling attack… can’t be taken for granted as a lock going forward either,” he wrote. “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.”
He believes it’s time to back hungry fringe players like Sam Konstas, Josh Inglis, and Scott Boland. “They’re eager to prove themselves every time they get a chance,” Johnson said. “I’m not being overly critical of an ageing team… but it’s essential to consider when the right time is to make some tough calls,” he added.
Steve Smith is nursing a finger injury. Also, Johnson sees the upcoming three-Test series against the West Indies as a chance for the selectors. A chance to begin a gradual transition.
He emphasized the need to identify a permanent No. 3 batter. Even arguing that Marnus Labuschagne’s recent form doesn’t justify moving him up again.
“Trying to make changes in all top-three batting slots at once would indeed be risky,” Johnson concluded, “and I don’t think the selectors will go that route.”