Former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has publicly criticized Josh Hazlewood for prioritizing the Indian Premier League (IPL) over preparing for the crucial World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa. Australia’s defeat at Lord’s by five wickets, inside just four days, sparked heated debates, with Johnson leading the charge by questioning the mindset of senior players.
Hazlewood, who was initially uncertain about his return to Royal Challengers Bengaluru due to injury concerns and IPL 2025’s delayed schedule amid India-Pakistan tensions, eventually flew back to India for the final matches of the tournament. This decision, according to Johnson, compromised his performance in the WTC final, where Hazlewood managed to take only two wickets.
Writing in his column for The West Australian, Johnson emphasized that Hazlewood’s choice reflected misplaced priorities, especially considering the bowler’s fitness issues in recent years. He urged the Australian selectors to consider tougher decisions regarding players who do not fully commit to national duties.
Johnson did not stop there. He expressed concerns over relying too heavily on the long-established bowling quartet of Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon, and suggested it might be time to nurture the next generation of Test stars. He specifically named Sam Konstas, Josh Inglis, and 36-year-old Scott Boland as players with the right attitude and hunger to prove themselves on the big stage.
While clarifying that his critique was not meant to diminish the achievements of Australia’s senior players like Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, and Marnus Labuschagne, Johnson highlighted the need for timely transitions. He suggested that the upcoming three-Test tour of the West Indies would be the ideal platform to test fresh talent.
He also discussed the injury to Steve Smith as an opportunity for change and regeneration in the squad. However, Johnson cautioned against disrupting all top-three batting positions simultaneously and noted Labuschagne’s inconsistent form over the last year and a half as a concern, urging selectors to think carefully before reshuffling roles.
Johnson’s remarks underline a growing sentiment that national commitments must take precedence over franchise cricket, especially during pivotal moments like the WTC final. As Australia plots its path forward, the balance between loyalty to senior players and making room for new blood will be critical.
