Mitchell Johnson criticizes Josh Hazlewood : The final match of the World Test Championship 2023-25 was played between the teams of Australia and South Africa. Australia suffered defeat in this match and Africa won the ICC title after waiting for 27 years. After this defeat, many players of Australia have come under target of their veterans. Which includes the name of former Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson. Mitchell Johnson has strongly criticized a star bowler and has questioned his loyalty.
Mitchell Johnson raised questions on this player
Mitchell Johnson, criticizing his compatriot Josh Hazlewood, has questioned whether his commitment is the same for the national team. In fact, Johnson has expressed displeasure over Hazlewood’s decision to give priority to the Indian Premier before the WTC final. He believes that this step can question Hazelwood’s loyalty among cricket fans and experts.
Hazelwood was among the players who decided to return to India when the IPL was postponed due to tension between India and Pakistan. Playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, he performed brilliantly this season and took 22 wickets. In the IPL final, RCB defeated Punjab Kings and won the title for the first time, in which Hazlewood played an important role by sending Punjab’s aggressive opener Priyansh Arya to the pavilion. However, Johnson says that during this time Hazlewood ignored the preparations for the national team.
Josh Hazlewood targeted
The Australian fast bowling was an important player in the WTC final played at Hazelwood Lords. But he could take only two wickets in this match against Africa. In such a situation, Johnson wrote in West Australian, ‘We have seen the problem about Hazlewood’s fitness in recent years. His decision to give priority to the return to the Indian Premier League instead of the preparations of the national team has shocked the people. Let me tell you, Hazlewood was the last associated with the Australian squad, all the other players other than him had already come to England.