Australia’s recent defeat to South Africa in the World Test Championship (WTC) final has triggered sharp criticism from former fast bowler Mitchell Johnson. At the center of the debate is pacer Josh Hazlewood, who returned to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) just before the crucial Test match. While Hazlewood contributed to RCB’s historic title win, Johnson believes the timing of his return may have affected his preparation for the WTC final, where Australia suffered a rare ICC tournament loss.
Hazlewood played a key role in RCB’s first-ever IPL title, helping the team secure a narrow six-run victory over Punjab Kings in the final. Despite concerns about his fitness, the seamer joined the squad late in the tournament and performed under pressure. However, this decision came under scrutiny after his performance in the WTC final, where he bowled 34 overs and returned figures of 2 for 85 without making a significant impact.
In a column for The West Australian, Mitchell Johnson wrote, “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.”
Concerns with Australia cricket
Johnson’s comments reflect a broader concern within Australian cricket circles about balancing domestic league participation with international commitments. Hazlewood’s performance in the WTC final failed to meet expectations, particularly during crucial phases of the match.
Australia’s bowling unit, consisting of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, has long been hailed as one of the most reliable combinations in world cricket. However, Johnson cautioned that it may be time to start planning for the future.
“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,” Johnson noted. “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.”
Australia’s loss to South Africa was a surprising outcome in a match where the odds favored the Aussies. South Africa chased down a target of 282 runs in the fourth innings, led by a magnificent 136 from Aiden Markram and a composed 66 by Temba Bavuma. The defeat marked only the fourth instance where Australia finished as runners-up in an ICC final, a rare result for a team that has dominated world cricket for decades.
The conversation around Hazlewood’s commitment also ties into the growing concern about how T20 leagues, especially the IPL, influence player availability and readiness for international tournaments. The commercial appeal of leagues often conflicts with national schedules, leaving selectors and management to navigate complex decisions.
This incident has reignited discussions among fans and experts about setting clearer guidelines for player availability, especially when marquee international tournaments are on the horizon.
Conclusion
Australia will soon travel to the West Indies for a bilateral series starting June 25. The tour offers a valuable opportunity for selectors to test new players and assess their readiness for future international duties. As the team looks ahead, the focus will likely shift toward building depth, improving preparation strategies, and ensuring that national priorities are not overshadowed by commercial obligations. Johnson’s remarks highlight the need for a balanced approach that respects both player autonomy and team accountability.
