Former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has questioned Josh Hazlewood’s decision to return for the final leg of the 2025 IPL season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru just days before the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, where Australia lost to South Africa.
IPL return before WTC final sparks criticism
Hazlewood’s return to the IPL raised concerns, with many—including Johnson—arguing that it impacted his performance in the Test arena. Despite helping RCB win their maiden IPL title, Hazlewood’s fitness and focus came under scrutiny.
“We’ve seen concerns about Hazlewood’s fitness in recent years, and his decision to prioritise returning to the delayed Indian Premier League over national team preparations raised eyebrows,” Johnson wrote.
In the WTC final, Hazlewood managed just 2 wickets for 85 runs in 34 overs as South Africa successfully chased down 282 in the fourth innings, thanks to Aiden Markram’s 136 and Temba Bavuma’s 66.
Johnson warns against relying on aging stars
Johnson didn’t limit his criticism to Hazlewood. He questioned the ongoing reliance on Australia’s “big four” bowling unit—Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon—suggesting a shift in priorities among the senior group.
“Our successful ‘big four’ bowling attack can’t be taken for granted going forward. If veteran players are sticking around just for the Ashes as a send-off, it begs the question of whether that’s the right mindset,” Johnson said.
Youth movement urged ahead of Windies tour
With Australia set to tour the West Indies for a three-Test series starting June 25, Johnson sees the opportunity to introduce fresh talent. He highlighted players like Sam Konstas, Josh Inglis, and veteran Scott Boland as deserving of more chances.
“Fringe players like Konstas, Inglis and Boland are hungry to prove themselves. I’m not being critical of what the current team has achieved, but it’s time to think about the next generation,” Johnson added.
Finding a No. 3 amid Smith’s injury
With Steve Smith sidelined by a finger injury, Johnson also called for a rethink in the top order, suggesting that Marnus Labuschagne shouldn’t be pushed back to No. 3, despite the need for a specialist at that position.
“Labuschagne hasn’t shown consistent form over the past 18 months. Making changes across all three top-order spots at once would be risky,” he noted.
Johnson’s comments are expected to fuel a broader debate within Cricket Australia about balancing franchise commitments with national team responsibilities, and when to begin phasing out long-serving stars in favor of emerging talent.
