Mitchell Johnson Criticizes Josh Hazlewood for ‘Putting IPL Before Country’ Following Australia’s ICC WTC Defeat

16
Jun

Josh Hazlewood managed to take only two wickets in the ICC WTC 2023-25 final. Australian cricket legend Mitchell Johnson harshly criticized the team’s defeat to South Africa in the World Test Championship final, stating that the famed bowling “big four” — Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc — should no longer be considered an automatic choice. He called on selectors to consider making changes.

Johnson singled out Hazlewood, who took just two wickets in the five-wicket loss, for particular scrutiny. He accused the pacer of prioritizing the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 over preparations for the national team, especially after Hazlewood returned a few days into the IPL season—leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to their first title—following a side strain.

“Our once-successful ‘big four’ of Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Cummins, and Lyon can no longer be taken for granted as a guaranteed lineup moving forward,” Johnson wrote in The West Australian. “Concerns about Hazlewood’s fitness have surfaced in recent years, and his choice to prioritize the delayed IPL over national duties raised eyebrows. Lyon also didn’t look at his best on day three.”

Josh Hazlewood, With most players over 30, Australia appeared to be a team at its peak during the tournament. After the match, captain Pat Cummins hinted at the possibility of a team rebuild.

Josh Hazlewood: Australia Must Resolve Their No. 3 Batting Issue: Mitchell Johnson

Mitchell Johnson has highlighted the need for Australia to address the uncertainty surrounding their No. 3 batting position. He also questioned whether some senior players are merely “sticking around” for the summer Ashes as a farewell gesture, urging the selectors to give more opportunities to hungry fringe players.

“If veteran players are hanging on just to have a send-off during the Ashes, it raises concerns about whether that’s the right approach. We must focus on the future and build confidence in selecting the next generation of Test players. Fringe players like Sam Konstas, Josh Inglis, and even Scott Boland, who is 36, bring a different mindset—they are eager to prove themselves every time they get a chance,” Johnson explained.

Johnson further stated that neither Marnus Labuschagne opening the innings nor Cameron Green at No. 3 are sustainable options for Australia in the long run.

“It’s clear Green didn’t perform well, scoring just 4 and 0, facing only five balls in the match. The manner of his dismissal to Kagiso Rabada in both innings suggests he might not be suited to that role. Josh Hazlewood, The bigger problem, however, is Labuschagne’s poor form, reminiscent of when Steve Smith was pushed to open while struggling. I’m not in favor of reshuffling the batting order just to mask a lack of form. With the upcoming West Indies tour followed by the Ashes this summer, Australia needs to not only finalize their two openers but also find a dependable No. 3,” he added.

Australia’s next Test series will be against the West Indies, marking their first series of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.

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• Josh Hazlewood: Australia Must Resolve Their No. 3 Batting Issue: Mitchell Johnson

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