“His decision to prioritize IPL raised eyebrows” - Former Australian pacer slams Josh Hazlewood as Australia loses WTC Final

The former Australian seamer Mitchell Johnson has launched an attack on the Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood for having fitness concerns during the WTC Final against South Africa at the Lord’s in London, which South Africa won by five wickets.

With Australia failing to defend the WTC mace, Johnson slammed the Aussie pacer for prioritizing the IPL after it got postponed instead of attending the Australian camp for the WTC Final. 

Notably, Hazlewood played an important role for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 season, scalping 22 wickets and propelling the franchise to lift the first-ever IPL title in 18 years.

“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,” wrote Johnson in the West Australian column.

Furthermore, Johnson also urged the selectors not to lock the big four bowling unit of Mitchell Starc, Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon, and instead give a chance to fringe players, who are awaiting their chances on the bench.

“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,” added Johnson.

“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,” Johnson stated.

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