Mitchell Johnson criticised Josh Hazlewood for preferring the IPL over national duty. Hazlewood helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) win their first IPL by six runs over Punjab Kings (PBKS) on June 3. The right-arm pacer took 22 wickets from 12 matches at 17.55 in the 10-team event, becoming the equal second-highest wicket-taker.
Despite injury issues, the 34-year-old rejoined RCB for the IPL’s second half. Mitchell Johnson criticised him for not preparing for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, which Australia lost to South Africa by five wickets. Poor Hazlewood just took one wicket every innings.
“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 said in a West Australian piece.
We must embrace the future and gain confidence when choosing our next Test players: Mitchell Johnson
Mitchell Johnson believes that Australia’s bowling attack of Mitchell Starc, Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon should not be taken for granted and that selectors should start developing future stars.
“Our successful ‘big four’ bowling attack of Mitchell Starc, Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon can’t be relied on moving ahead. Veteran players staying for the Ashes as a send-off raises questions about their thinking. We must embrace the future and gain confidence while choosing our next Test players “Johnson added.
On Wednesday, January 25, Australia begins a three-match Test series against the West Indies in the Caribbean. Bridgetown, Barbados’ Kensington Oval will host the opening Test.
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