Australia’s fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has addressed recent criticism from former player Mitchell Johnson. Following a tough loss to South Africa in the World Test Championship final, Johnson took issue with Hazlewood, suggesting he was putting the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of Test cricket.
Johnson’s remarks came after Hazlewood participated in the IPL with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, which ended just a week before the WTC Final. In that match, Hazlewood managed only two wickets, further fueling Johnson’s frustration.
Johnson expressed concern in The West Australian, noting, “We’ve seen worries about Hazlewood’s fitness in recent years. His choice to focus on the IPL instead of preparing for the national team raised many eyebrows.”
In response to Johnson’s comments, Hazlewood explained why he believed participating in the IPL was beneficial preparation for the upcoming Test series against the West Indies. “I haven’t really seen any of that,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald when asked about Johnson’s article.
Hazlewood pointed out, “We understand our situation better than anyone. Practicing in the IPL provided the ideal environment to gear up for the challenges ahead. The weather was also a concern. Training in Sydney had its limitations due to rain, and conditions in Brisbane were similarly challenging. Being able to bowl in India, especially with competitive matches, was invaluable. I felt it was the best choice.”
This back-and-forth highlights the ongoing discussion about balancing domestic league commitments and international responsibilities in cricket. Hazlewood seems confident in his decision, emphasizing the importance of competitive play in his preparation.
