Australian Cricketers Retaliate Over Ex-Teammate’s Greed Claims for Prioritizing Careers Ahead of Team

Senior Cricketers Clap Back at Mitchell Johnson’s Criticism
By James Cooney | Updated: 07:51 BST, 23 June 2025

Australian Test stars Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon have fired back at former teammate Mitchell Johnson after he questioned their commitment following Australia’s World Test Championship defeat. Johnson, one of the country’s all-time leading wicket-takers, claimed senior players like Hazlewood and Lyon appeared unmotivated and criticized their priorities.

Mitchell Johnson raised concerns over senior players’ commitment (Image: Getty)

In a column for The West Australian, Johnson argued Australia’s veteran players risked clinging to their careers for sentimental reasons. “If players are sticking around just for Ashes farewells, we need to ask if that’s the right mindset,” he wrote. He singled out Hazlewood for opting to finish the Indian Premier League (IPL) instead of traveling early to England for WTC preparations, adding Lyon “didn’t look his best” during the final.

Hazlewood Defends IPL Decision
Hazlewood dismissed the criticism, telling The Age, “We know what’s happening internally. Going to India was practical.” The fast bowler cited Australia’s wet weather disrupting training and the intensity of IPL matches as ideal preparation. “It’s hard to replicate that competitiveness in nets. Given the rain in Sydney and Brisbane, India was comfortably the best option,” he said.

Hazlewood justified his IPL stint for match readiness (Image: Instagram)

Lyon Dismisses “Farewell Tour” Claims
Lyon, Australia’s leading spin bowler, also rejected Johnson’s remarks. “There’s no farewell tour planned here,” he stated. “We never take our spots for granted. Younger players push us daily, and we’re focused on winning—not personal milestones.”

Lyon emphasized the team’s competitive drive (Image: Instagram)

Pressure on Australia’s “Big Four”
Johnson had questioned whether the famed bowling quartet—Hazlewood, Lyon, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc—should remain automatic picks. While praising their past success, he urged selectors to “make tough calls” to phase in younger talent.

Hazlewood and Lyon, however, remain defiant. “Every squad member fights for their position,” Lyon stressed. “Age isn’t a factor if we’re performing.” Both players reaffirmed their focus on upcoming tours, including the Ashes, underscoring their belief in the current squad’s hunger for success.

Read the full debate in The West Australian and The Age.