Mitchell Johnson, former Australian fast bowler, has criticised Josh Hazlewood for choosing to play in the Indian Premier League over preparing for the World Test Championship final against South Africa.Hazlewood, 34, who plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, returned to the IPL after its temporary suspension due to India-Pakistan border tensions. Some Australian players opted not to return to India for the remainder of the tournament.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured their first IPL trophy by defeating Punjab Kings. Hazlewood took 22 wickets in the season and dismissed Priyansh Arya in the final match.In the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, which South Africa won by five wickets, Hazlewood managed to take only two wickets despite being a key member of the Australian pace attack.“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 wrote in the West Australian. Johnson himself played six IPL seasons with various teams including Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab, and Mumbai Indians.Johnson expressed concern about senior players like Mitchell Starc, Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon.“Our successful ‘big four’ bowling attack of Mitchell Starc, Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon can’t be taken for granted as a lock going forward either.”
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“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. It’s crucial that we embrace the future and build confidence in selecting our next Test players.”Johnson highlighted that talented players like Sam Konstas, Josh Inglis, and Scott Boland were eager to represent their country but weren’t getting opportunities.“Players on the fringe such as Sam Konstas, Josh Inglis and Scott Boland, despite being 36, have a different mentality. They’re eager to prove themselves every time they get a chance.”“I’m not being overly critical of an ageing team which has achieved plenty together. Our established players including the senior bowling quartet, Usman Khawaja, (Steve) Smith and (Marnus) Labuschagne have achieved some great things.”
Johnson suggested that the upcoming West Indies Test series could provide opportunities for new players.“It’s essential to consider when the right time is to make some tough calls. The upcoming three-Test Windies tour seems like an excellent opportunity to give deserving players a chance to shine, and the finger injury to Smith might have the silver lining of prompting some regeneration.”“Finding a specialist No.3 is crucial, and with the form Labuschagne has shown over the past 18 months, it’s hard to justify moving him back into that position. Trying to make changes in all top-three batting slots at once would indeed be risky, and I don’t think the selectors will go that route.”“Konstas looms as a solid option for the pitches in the West Indies, especially with an experienced player in Khawaja alongside him.”
