Mitchell Johnson Tears Into Josh Hazlewood for Choosing IPL Over Test Cricket

WTC Final fallout ignites national vs franchise cricket debate as Australia rethinks its Test future

Arun Upadhayay June 17, 2025Last Updated: June 17, 2025

43,867 3 minutes read

Mitchell Johnson Just Lit a Fire Under Australian Cricket — And Josh Hazlewood's At the Center of It 🔥🏏

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Reviewed & Published by HH Sports Desk

Sydney, June 17: When Australia stumbled to defeat in the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s last week, it wasn’t just the scoreboard that sparked debate — it was the choices made before the first ball was bowled. At the heart of the storm: Josh Hazlewood, once a pillar of Australia’s pace attack, now a focal point in a growing feud over player priorities in the era of franchise cricket.

A Misstep or Misplaced Faith?

According to CricTracker, Hazlewood’s IPL 2025 campaign was nothing short of stellar. He spearheaded Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to their maiden title, grabbing 22 wickets in just 12 games. On paper, it was a performance to be celebrated. But in the eyes of former Australian pace ace Mitchell Johnson, it was also the moment Hazlewood lost his edge — and his focus.

Writing in The West Australian, Johnson didn’t mince words. He claimed Hazlewood’s decision to prioritize the IPL over proper preparation for the WTC Final “raised eyebrows” and impacted his Test performance. The numbers back the critique: Hazlewood managed just two wickets in a lackluster outing as South Africa clinched a historic win at Lord’s.

The Broader Battle: Club vs Country

This isn’t just about Hazlewood. It’s about what Test cricket means in 2025 — and whether loyalty to the baggy green is losing its hold in an age of franchise riches.

Johnson’s real message wasn’t just personal. He called out Cricket Australia for what he sees as complacency: allowing the so-called “big four” — Hazlewood, Starc, Cummins, and Lyon — to walk into the XI on reputation, not form. “Is that the mindset you want?” he asked, questioning whether automatic selections were doing the team any favors.

Instead, Johnson wants the upcoming West Indies Test series, starting June 25, to be a turning point. His rallying cry? Give hungry fringe players — names like Scott Boland, Josh Inglis, and Sam Konstas — a real shot at taking over.

An Aging Core Under the Microscope

Hazlewood is 34. Lyon is 37. Starc and Cummins aren’t far behind. Johnson’s critique opens up a larger conversation about the future of Australia’s Test team. Is it time to move beyond the golden generation and usher in a new guard? And if so, who decides when a legend’s time is up?

For now, there’s silence from Cricket Australia, from Hazlewood, and from selectors. But the pressure is mounting. If Hazlewood’s form wavers again in the Caribbean — assuming he’s even picked — the questions will only get louder.

Fans Weigh In: Divide on Reddit and Beyond

On Reddit’s bustling r/ipl thread, opinions are split. Some sympathize with Hazlewood’s choice, arguing the IPL is not just about money, but also high-pressure cricket that sharpens skills. Others echo Johnson’s outrage.

“Maybe he learned from his mistake,” one fan offered. “Or maybe he is just a right old hypocritical fool,” fired back another.

The tone on Facebook isn’t much gentler. Many point out that Hazlewood could have rested, recharged, and trained for the WTC — especially since the IPL’s final stretch was postponed due to geopolitical tensions. Instead, they see a veteran choosing glitter over grit.

IPL’s Shadow Over Test Cricket

This isn’t new. The IPL vs international duty debate has simmered for over a decade. But when a top-line bowler from a cricketing powerhouse misses Test prep for a T20 title — and then underperforms — it turns abstract worry into a tangible problem.

In truth, Hazlewood’s story is symbolic. Australia has built its cricketing identity around toughness, preparation, and national pride. But can that culture survive if players — even legends — begin prioritizing franchise cricket?

Johnson’s Message Is Loud. Will Selectors Listen?

There’s no indication, yet, that selectors will drop Hazlewood. But the upcoming West Indies series could be telling. Do they stay loyal to experience? Or do they heed Johnson’s warning and start blooding the next generation?

If there’s ever a moment to reboot, it’s now — before the next Test cycle ramps up and the window for transition slams shut.

As Johnson put it, this isn’t about punishing players like Hazlewood. It’s about recalibrating ambition. About making sure the next time Australia walks into a final, no one’s wondering if they gave everything they had — or if a few too many overs were bowled in red jerseys instead of baggy greens.

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Author Profile

Arun Upadhayay

Sports Contributor at Hindustan Herald | Web

Arun Upadhayay is a sports journalist and former district-level cricketer with over four years of experience in event production and digital content. Currently freelancing with the India Today Group, Arun brings a deep understanding of sports and storytelling. His work blends expert analysis, live event insights, and engaging coverage of the game.