I dont know why hes over playing IPL: Michael Clarke on Josh Hazlewood
Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke has suggested that Royal Challengers Bangalore ace pacer Josh Hazlewood should "take some rest" instead of playing in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2023. "I dont know why hes over playing IPL. I dont know why hes not over here in Australia preparing to play Test match cricket," Clarke told Fox Sports. The Kangaroos are scheduled to play the World Test Championship and an Ashes series in England after IPL. Hazlewood played his first game after four months of injury lay-off on Monday against the Lucknow Super Giants. The seamer looked in good rhythm and picked up two crucial wickets. Clarke also questioned how IPL is ideal preparation for the long red-ball season in England as he said, I know theyll have people over there, in the nets hell be bowling more than what the IPL players are bowling, in preparation for Test match cricket," But I just dont know if him bowling three overs, four overs right now is his best preparation for an Ashes series, after the injuries hes had and the amount of time hes had out of Test cricket," he added. When asked if Cricket Australia should have intervened in Hazlewood's decision to participate in the IPL he said, They can do it now. They can stop you going, But its India. Are you kidding? No one is saying no to India," he added. He also referred to Mumbai Indians allrounder Cameron Green and said, We had the conversation about Cameron Green is it in Camerons Greens interest right now, with his body, with the Ashes series coming up, with the amount of cricket we have coming up, for him to be over there playing IPL? Or would he be better off taking four weeks rest, recover, rehab and start a pre-season?" He further said, Unless Cricket Australia are going to say, OK the IPL has just offered you $3 million for eight weeks well pay you that $3 million you stay home and train with us, theres nothing they can do.
Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 11:00 am