Mitchell Johnson Slams Josh Hazlewood for Prioritizing IPL Over National Duty
In a stunning turn of events, former Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson has publicly criticized fellow fast bowler Josh Hazlewood for opting to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) instead of preparing for the crucial World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord’s. Johnson, known for his fiery on-field persona and candid opinions, did not hold back in his scathing column for the West Australian, sparking a debate about player priorities and national duty.
Hazlewood, aged 34, returned to the IPL to represent Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after the tournament’s temporary suspension due to geopolitical tensions at the India-Pakistan border. While several Australian players chose not to return to India for the remainder of the tournament, Hazlewood’s decision to prioritize the IPL paid off on the field as RCB clinched their maiden IPL title with a thrilling victory over Punjab Kings. Hazlewood played a pivotal role, finishing the season with an impressive tally of 22 wickets, including the crucial scalp of Priyansh Arya in the final.
However, his form took a sharp dip in the WTC final, where South Africa defeated Australia by five wickets. Despite being a key cog in Australia’s pace battery, Hazlewood managed just two wickets in the match, raising questions about his preparation and fitness. Johnson was quick to point out this discrepancy, writing, “We’ve seen concerns about Hazlewood’s fitness in recent years, and his decision to prioritize returning to the delayed IPL over national team preparations has raised eyebrows.”
Johnson, who himself played six IPL seasons with teams like Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab, and Mumbai Indians, expressed broader concerns about the mindset of senior Australian players. He highlighted the famed ‘big four’ bowling attack comprising Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon, warning that their dominance cannot be taken for granted. “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,” he argued, emphasizing the need to build for the future.
The upcoming three-Test series against the West Indies could be a turning point, according to Johnson. With injuries like Steve Smith’s finger issue potentially opening doors, Johnson sees this as an ideal opportunity to blood new talent. He spotlighted fringe players like Sam Konstas, Josh Inglis, and veteran seamer Scott Boland, noting their hunger to prove themselves. “These players have a different mentality. They’re eager to step up every time they get a chance,” Johnson wrote.
While acknowledging the achievements of Australia’s established stars, including batsmen like Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne, Johnson stressed the importance of tough selection calls. Finding a specialist No. 3 batsman remains a priority for the team, and with Labuschagne’s stellar form over the past 18 months—averaging over 55 in Test cricket during this period—Johnson believes moving him from his current position would be unwise. He also cautioned against drastic changes in the top order, suggesting that Konstas could be a solid option for the West Indies tour, especially with Khawaja’s experience to guide him.
As the debate over player priorities intensifies, Johnson’s comments have reignited discussions about balancing lucrative T20 leagues with national commitments. With Hazlewood’s IPL earnings reportedly crossing $1 million per season and the WTC final offering a prestigious but less financially rewarding platform, the dilemma is clear. Will Australia’s selectors heed Johnson’s call for regeneration, or will they continue to bank on their seasoned stars? Only time will tell, but for now, the spotlight remains firmly on Josh Hazlewood and his contentious career choices.