Josh Hazlewood, an Australian pacer, has made a “triumphant return” to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 after missing the beginning of the tournament due to an injury. Hazlewood’s return to the league has been accompanied by impressive bowling performances.

Hazlewood’s first match in the IPL 2023 was against the Lucknow Super Giants, where he bowled three overs and conceded just 15 runs while dismissing Ayush Badoni and Naveen-ul-Haq. However, Michael Clarke, former Australian skipper, has questioned Hazlewood’s decision to play in the IPL instead of preparing for the upcoming World Test Championship final and Ashes series. Follow your favourite IPL team with the best cricket betting odds from 1xBet.

Clarke expressed his confusion over Hazlewood’s decision, stating, “I don’t know why he’s overplaying IPL. I don’t know why he’s not over here in Australia preparing to play Test match cricket. I know they’ll have people over there, in the nets, he’ll be bowling more than what the IPL players are bowling, in preparation for Test match cricket,” as quoted by Fox Sports.

Clarke went on to express concern about Hazlewood’s preparation for red-ball cricket given his recent injuries, suggesting that only bowling a few overs in the IPL may not be sufficient. Hazlewood is part of the Australian squad of five pacers who will be traveling to England for the WTC final and Ashes series. Make the most out of 1xBet Sports Betting odds by betting on 1xBet.

While Clarke acknowledged Hazlewood’s return to the IPL, he emphasized that Australian Test cricket fans want to see the pacer perform at his best in the Ashes series. Clarke stated, “It’s great to see him back playing; there’s no doubt about it, but for Australian Test cricket fans, you want to see him at his best for this Ashes series.”