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Former Australia pacer Mitchell Johnson has never been one to mince words, and his recent column questioning the commitment and longevity of Australia’s veteran Test bowlers has stirred controversy. Johnson, once a fierce spearhead of the Aussie attack, wrote in Western Australia taking aim at Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon following the team’s disappointing loss to South Africa in the World Test Championship final. But Hazlewood and Lyon, both cornerstones of the national side, have fired back with composed and confident responses, dismissing suggestions of selfishness or decline.
Josh Hazlewood stands his ground against Mitchell Johnson
Hazlewood was quick to deflate Johnson’s remarks that questioned his choice to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) over preparing directly for the WTC final. Having dealt with injury concerns and limited training opportunities in rain-soaked Sydney and Brisbane, Hazlewood explained that competitive IPL cricket provided the perfect environment to regain rhythm and match intensity.
“I just thought the best place to bowl was India, we were still in the competition, playing high-intensity matches… I think it was comfortably the best option,” Hazlewood said as quoted by Western Australia, highlighting the weather issues and lack of bowling opportunities in Australia at the time.
Despite Australia’s underwhelming showing in the final, Hazlewood emphasized that he’s in peak form, citing career-best numbers and a calm, confident mindset.
“I feel quite relaxed at the moment about my cricket… The ball is coming out nicely in all formats,” he added. His words painted the picture of a bowler far from decline — one still evolving and finding new gears across formats.
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Nathan Lyon brushes off talk of ‘farewell tours’
Lyon, Australia’s most prolific off-spinner, responded to Johnson’s claim that senior players might be clinging on for a sentimental Ashes farewell by firmly shutting down such speculation.
“There’s no-one planning a farewell tour or anything like that,” Lyon said pointedly to Western Australia.
Lyon, who went wicketless at Lord’s but remains a crucial part of the squad, underlined the competitiveness and depth within the Australian team.
“We never take any of our positions for granted… There’s that much competition within the squad,” he added, suggesting that no player is immune to pressure from emerging talent.
When asked directly about Johnson’s comments, Lyon offered a simple but sharp dismissal: “Regarding ‘Johnno’, there’s nothing really to be said there.” He then doubled down on the team’s collective hunger to perform, saying, “We want to play in games, we want to win games… They’re only doing that for the betterment of Australian cricket.”
