WTC Final: Johnson Criticizes Hazlewood’s IPL Decision As New Cycle Kicks Off In Galle

As the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle got underway in the serene coastal city of Galle with Sri Lanka hosting Bangladesh, the aftershocks of Australia’s disappointing loss in the WTC final to South Africa continued to ripple through the cricketing world. At the heart of the controversy stands veteran fast bowler Josh Hazlewood — and a stinging critique from former Australian paceman Mitchell Johnson.

Australia’s campaign to defend their Test crown ended abruptly at Lord’s, as South Africa cruised to a five-wicket win inside four days. Hazlewood’s underwhelming performance — just two wickets in the match — drew ire from Johnson, who slammed the pacer for prioritising a return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) over national duties in the lead-up to the WTC final.

Hazlewood had skipped early preparations for the final, opting instead to rejoin Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the delayed final leg of IPL 2025, which had been temporarily suspended due to India-Pakistan tensions. While there were injury concerns initially, Hazlewood flew back to India for the closing stages of the tournament — a move that Johnson believes cost Australia dearly.

What Did Mitchell Johnson Say?

Writing in The West Australian, Johnson did not mince words: “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.”

The former left-arm quick went further, questioning the complacency creeping into Australia’s core group of seasoned players and suggesting the selectors need to look ahead.

“Our successful 'big four' bowling attack of Mitchell Starc, 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.”

Instead, Johnson advocated for a new wave of players to be given opportunities — not only in the bowling department but throughout the squad.

“It's crucial that we embrace the future and build confidence in selecting our next Test players,” he said, pointing to fringe players like Sam Konstas, Josh Inglis, and Scott Boland — who, despite being 36, Johnson believes “have a different mentality. They're eager to prove themselves every time they get a chance.”

While Johnson was clear he wasn’t “being overly critical of an ageing team which has achieved plenty together,” he emphasised the importance of tough calls.

“Our established players including the senior bowling quartet, Usman Khawaja, (Steve) Smith and (Marnus) Labuschagne have achieved some great things. It's essential to consider when the right time is to make some tough calls.”

He also saw opportunity in adversity — such as the finger injury to Steve Smith — suggesting it could lead to crucial changes ahead of the three-Test tour of the West Indies.

“The upcoming three-Test Windies tour seems like an excellent opportunity to give deserving players a chance to shine, and the finger injury to Smith might have the silver lining of prompting some regeneration.”

Johnson cautioned against too much experimentation at the top of the order but was clear about one issue:

“Finding a specialist No.3 is crucial, and with the form Labuschagne has shown over the past 18 months, it's hard to justify moving him back into that position. Trying to make changes in all top-three batting slots at once would indeed be risky, and I don't think the selectors will go that route.”

SL-BAN Kick Off New WTC Cycle

Meanwhile, as the dust settles on Lord’s and a new WTC cycle dawns, global cricket’s attention now shifts to a fresh set of contests. After Galle where Sri Lanka and Bangladesh kick off the new WTC cycle, the spotlight will move to England and India’s five-Test epic, with battles set at Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford and The Oval.

Defending champions Australia will soon begin their journey to reclaim the mace with a three-Test series in the West Indies, where the Frank Worrell Trophy will be on the line.

Each of the nine competing sides in the WTC will face six opponents — three at home and three away — with 12 points for a win, six for a tie, and four for a draw. With fierce rivalries, packed calendars, and rising talents pushing for spots, Johnson’s call for transition and accountability could echo louder than ever in Australian cricket’s selection room.