Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is under intense scrutiny from former players and fans alike after choosing to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) over preparing for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025, which Australia lost to South Africa at Lord’s.
Mitchell Johnson Leads Criticism
Former Aussie pacer Mitchell Johnson has publicly criticized Hazlewood’s decision, calling it a “questionable commitment” to national duties. Writing in The West Australian, Johnson said:
“We’ve seen concerns about Hazlewood’s fitness in recent years, and his decision to prioritise returning to the delayed IPL over his national team preparations raised eyebrows.”
Hazlewood, who played a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden IPL title win, took 22 wickets in the tournament, including a crucial scalp in the final. However, his performance in the WTC Final was underwhelming, managing just 2 wickets for 85 runs in 34 overs.
Concerns Over Australia’s Aging Core
Johnson also questioned the long-term viability of Australia’s “big four” bowling attack—Hazlewood, Starc, Cummins, and Lyon—suggesting it’s time to invest in younger talent like Sam Konstas, Josh Inglis, and Scott Boland.
“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,” Johnson added.
What’s Next for Australia?
With a three-Test series against the West Indies starting June 25, selectors are under pressure to rethink squad composition and give opportunities to emerging players.
