Josh Hazlewood Prioritised IPL Over Australia? Pacer Responds To Stinging Criticism
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In a column, Mitchell Johnson had raised questions over Josh Hazlewood's decision to play in IPL instead of preparing for WTC final.
Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood says playing in IPL as part of his preparations for the ICC World Test Championship final was the right call citing the inclement weather back home after a stinging criticism from former teammate Mitchell Johnson.
Australia suffered a five-wicket defeat to South Africa in the WTC final following which Johnson questioned the logic behind Hazlewood playing T20 cricket in IPL. He also criticised other senior Australia players indicating that a few of them might be sticking around just for an Ashes send-off later this year.
The IPL was suspended briefly for a week during which Hazlewood, who represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru flew home. However, once the T20 tournament resumed, the 34-year-old returned to India and played a key role in RCB's maiden title triumph.
'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.
'Our successful 'big four' bowling attack of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon can't be taken for granted as a lock going forward either. 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," he added.
Hazlewood reasoned that it's difficult to replicate 'intense' match conditions in training.
The Age. 'We know what's going on in inside our rooms. It seemed far and away the best place to get ready for any type of cricket that was coming up. The weather was definitely a factor as well. Just getting over there and playing intense competition like that, it's hard to replicate in training."
'Sydney, it was raining and I had literally nowhere to bowl. I got to Brisbane for three or four days and it was very wet. We were lucky to get on. I just thought the best place to bowl was India. We were still in the competition, we were going to play semis, and I was going to be there for 10 days. I think it was comfortably the best option," he added.
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