FridayOL

Australian pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood has responded to criticism from former teammate Mitchell Johnson regarding his decision to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) during the lead-up to the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Hazlewood, known for his pragmatic approach, dismissed Johnson’s concerns, stating his focus remains firmly on contributing to the Australian Test team’s success.

Johnson, a legendary Australian fast bowler, had questioned Hazlewood's commitment to the WTC final, suggesting the IPL stint might have impacted his preparation. However, Hazlewood defended his choice, highlighting the valuable match practice and rhythm he gained in the IPL, which he believes will ultimately benefit Australia’s bowling attack. “Look, I think it’s always a balance, isn’t it?” Hazlewood said. “You want to be as prepared as possible, but you also want to be in form and bowling well. The IPL gave me that. I feel really good heading into the WTC final.”

Beyond addressing the Johnson criticism, Hazlewood also shed light on the challenge posed by Scott Boland, the surprise package of the recent Ashes series. Boland’s incredible performance at the MCG, where he took 6 for 7 in his debut Test innings, stunned the cricketing world and solidified his place in the Australian squad. Hazlewood acknowledged Boland’s impact and the pressure it puts on all the fast bowlers in the team.

“Scotty’s obviously done incredibly well,” Hazlewood stated. “He’s put pressure on everyone, which is what you want. It keeps you on your toes and makes you work harder. He’s a great example of someone who’s taken their opportunity and run with it.” Hazlewood emphasized the importance of maintaining a high level of performance to remain in contention for a spot in the Test XI, recognizing that Boland's success has raised the bar for all Australian fast bowlers.

The WTC final against India promises to be a high-stakes encounter, and Australia’s bowling attack will be crucial to their chances of success. With Hazlewood and Boland both in contention, the team has a potent mix of experience and emerging talent. The competition for places adds an extra layer of intensity to the squad, pushing each bowler to deliver their best performance on the biggest stage. Hazlewood’s experience and Boland’s recent form make them a formidable duo, and their contributions will be vital as Australia aims to lift the coveted WTC trophy.

Looking ahead, Hazlewood’s ability to manage his workload and maintain peak fitness will be key to his long-term success in Test cricket. Balancing IPL commitments with international duties is a challenge faced by many leading cricketers, and Hazlewood’s pragmatic approach demonstrates his understanding of the demands of the modern game. The focus now is on the WTC final, where he’ll be aiming to play a starring role in Australia’s quest for glory.