Johnson Slams Hazlewood for Prioritizing IPL Over WTC Final Preparations

Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson has strongly criticized Josh Hazlewood for choosing to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final. Australia’s loss to South Africa in the WTC Final, where Hazlewood took only two wickets, led to questions about his preparation. Hazlewood was not initially expected to play in the IPL due to an injury and the upcoming WTC Final, with the expectation he would prioritize national duties. Johnson’s comments highlight the ongoing discussion about the conflict between franchise cricket and international commitments. He expressed concerns about Hazlewood’s fitness and decision-making, suggesting these choices could affect the team’s performance. Johnson also mentioned that it is crucial to embrace the future and build confidence in selecting the next Test players, and the Windies tour might provide an excellent chance for the deserving players to perform.