Australia’s rapid pitch Josh Hazlewood responded to the scary criticism of Mitchell Johnson. After Australia was hammered in the final of the World Championship in South Africa, the former fast pitch Johnson hit Hazlewood and accused Pacer of favoring the Indian Premier League over the test cricket.
Johnson’s comments came against the background of Hazlewood playing IPL 2025 with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, which took place until 3 June, just a week and a half from the final of the WTC. Hazlewood raised only 2 goals in the WTC finals and attracted the anger of the former fast pitch.
“In recent years, we have seen concerns about Hazlewood’s condition and its decision to prefer to return to the delayed Indian Premier League has increased their eyebrows over its preparation of the national team,” Johnson wrote on West Australian.
Hazlewood replied to Johnson’s comments in preparation for the test series against West Indies and explained why IPL was the best possible preparation that he could ask when starting before the summit collision in the test cricket.
“I saw none of this to be honest,” said Hazlewood Sydney Morning Herald when he asked Johnson’s column.
“We know what is happening inside our rooms. It seemed to be the best place to prepare for any type of cricket that appeared. The weather was definitely also a factor. It just gets there and plays such intense competition, it is difficult to replicate in training,” he added.
“Sydney, it was raining and I didn’t have a bowl anywhere. I got to Brisbane for three or four days and it was very wet. We were lucky to continue. I just thought India was the best place.
Published:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
June 23, 2025
