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Former Australia pacer Mitchell Johnson has launched a scathing attack on fast bowler Josh Hazlewood for returning to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 just before the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Josh Hazlewood, returned to the resumed IPL after recovering from a shoulder niggle during the final phase of the tournament and helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in clinching their maiden title in 18 years.
IPL 2025 was suspended for a week during the border tensions between India and Pakistan.
The pacer was instrumental in RCB’s maiden title, taking 22 wickets from just 12 matches.
Now, Johnson raised doubts over Hazlewood’s fitness, stating that his decision to prefer the IPL has sparked speculation.
“We have 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. Lyon didn’t look his best on day three either,” Mitchell Johnson said.
The pacer also criticised Australia’s bowling quartet, noting that they are not an automatic selection in the team.
“Our successful ‘big four’ bowling attack of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon can’t be taken for granted as a lock going forward either,” Johnson said.
Mitchell Johnson highlighted the looming Ashes set to be played at the end of this year while questioning the rationale behind benching some of the in-form players.
“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.
“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,” he concluded.
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