Former Australian Pacer Mitchell Johnson criticized the Pat Cummins-led team for their performance in the final defeat of the World Test Championship in South Africa. Johnson said Josh Hazlewood prioritized the IPL over the national cricket team, urging the selectors not to choose the Bowling Big Four.
Josh Hazlewood took just two wickets during a five-wicket defeat against South Africa. He decided to rejoin the IPL shortly after recovering from side tension. Hazlewood returned to action a few days after the league resumed, helping Royal Challenger Bengaluru (RCB) secure their first IPL title.
We’ve seen Josh Hazlewood’s concerns about fitness – Mitchell Johnson
Mitchell Johnson questioned the performances of Mitchell Stark, Josh Hezlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon. Johnson added that the Bowling Big Four should no longer be considered an automatic selection.
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“A successful ‘Big Four’ bowling attack is not considered a commonplace as a forward-throated rock,” Johnson wrote in Western Australian.
“Hezlewood’s fitness has been concerns in recent years, and his decision to prioritize delaying India’s Premier League in preparation for his national team has raised eyebrows. Lyon didn’t look the best on the third day either,” he added.
IPL 2025, originally scheduled to run from March 22nd to May 25th, was unexpectedly extended to June 3rd after a one-week suspension. This rescheduling poses challenges for players in South Africa and Australia as the World Test Championship Finals was scheduled for June 11th.
Many cricketers left the IPL after the league stage, but Mitchell Stark refused to come back. Josh Hazlewood played in the final of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on June 3rd. The right-handed pacer then flew to London and joined the Australian team, with limited preparation time for the WTC Finals.
It’s important that we embrace the future – Mitchell Johnson
Mitchell Johnson has raised concerns about Australia’s aging team, noting that many players are over 30 years old. He questioned whether this was the right way of thinking and called for a change in focus for the future. Johnson urged the selectors to invest in players like Sam Constas, Josh Inglis and Scott Borland.
“If a veteran player is sticking to just for ashes as a send-off, I ask the question of whether it’s the right way of thinking. It’s important that we embrace the future and build confidence in choosing the next test player.
Cameron Green may not be the right fit for that position – Mitchell Johnson
Johnson also said third-placed Cameron Green and opener Marnus Lovescane are not a sustainable option. He also compared Lovesuchane’s continued poor form with Steve Smith’s promotion to opener during his own rough patch.
“It’s clear that Green didn’t work well. At 4 and 0, he faces five balls for the game. And the way he got to Kagisorabada in both innings is a highlight that he may not be suitable for that position.
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