Josh Hazlewood Chooses IPL Over County Cricket: Ex-RCB Coach Weighs In Ahead of WTC Final Showdown

As cricket fans turn their eyes to Lord’s for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final, one subplot has stirred conversations in the cricketing world—Josh Hazlewood’s decision to prepare for the grand Test by playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

With the high-octane clash between Australia and South Africa just around the corner, Hazlewood’s unconventional route to match fitness has drawn both intrigue and debate. Among the voices weighing in is a former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) coach, who has provided a no-nonsense verdict on the idea of using T20 cricket as preparation for the longest format of the game.

Let’s unpack the layers of this decision, examine what it means for Australia’s title defense, and assess South Africa’s chances of breaking their long ICC trophy drought.

WTC Final 2025: A Clash of Titans at Lord’s

Scheduled to start this Wednesday at Lord’s in London, the WTC Final brings two dominant forces of Test cricket head-to-head—Australia, the reigning champions, and South Africa.

Australia, led by Pat Cummins, has looked sharp throughout the 2023–25 WTC cycle. Their victories across various conditions demonstrate a well-balanced side featuring potent pacers, resilient middle-order batters, and tactically sharp leadership. The Australians aim to not only defend their WTC crown but also stamp their dominance in Test cricket further.

The Proteas haven’t lifted an ICC trophy since winning the inaugural Champions Trophy in 1998, and this final offers a golden opportunity to end that barren streak. With players like Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, and Dean Elgar in solid form, they carry the firepower to challenge Australia’s supremacy.

While most cricketers turn to County cricket or domestic red-ball games to gear up for Test matches, Josh Hazlewood chose a different path. He represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 and decided not to take part in any red-ball lead-up games in England.

Many expected Hazlewood to spend a few weeks playing County cricket to adjust to English conditions. But instead, he used the IPL to find rhythm, gain match fitness, and sharpen his focus through limited-overs intensity. The decision, while unconventional, underscores the growing impact of franchise cricket—even on formats it wasn’t designed to serve.

Ex-RCB Coach Reacts: ‘One Format Can’t Prepare You for Another’

A former RCB coach, who worked closely with Hazlewood during his IPL stint, didn’t mince words when asked about the Australian pacer’s preparation method. The coach emphasized that different cricket formats demand different skill sets, and suggested that relying on T20 cricket to prepare for a five-day Test match might not offer the right conditioning.

“You cannot use one format to prepare for another. While the IPL sharpens your reflexes, it doesn’t simulate the grind of Test cricket,” he said.

He acknowledged Hazlewood’s professionalism and skill but warned that lack of red-ball exposure in similar conditions might affect rhythm and endurance—two qualities vital for a pacer in the longest format.

The Hazlewood Factor: Risk or Reward?

Despite the criticism, Hazlewood remains a key weapon in Australia’s fast-bowling arsenal. His precise line and length, ability to extract bounce even from unresponsive pitches, and calm under pressure make him a formidable threat.

If he fires early at Lord’s, this strategy might be hailed as innovative load management. But if he struggles to find rhythm, critics will revisit this decision and argue that Hazlewood missed a vital opportunity to recalibrate in red-ball conditions.

Australia: Entering as Favourites, but With Caution

Looking at the overall records, Australia enters the final as the favourites. Their dominance across formats, especially in the WTC cycle, gives them a clear edge. With batters like Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Travis Head, supported by a lethal bowling unit of Cummins, Starc, Lyon, and Hazlewood, the Aussies appear balanced and experienced.

They also carry the confidence of winning the 2023 WTC Final, where they defeated India. However, cricket is unpredictable, and no final ever comes without pressure.

South Africa comes into the final with more than just cricketing skills—they carry a legacy of unfulfilled potential at ICC events. The last time they won an ICC tournament was in 1998, and generations of South African fans have since watched their team fall short at crucial moments.

But this team looks different. Their new-generation players combine flair with composure. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje can match Australia’s pace unit blow for blow, and Temba Bavuma’s leadership brings calm authority to a dynamic squad.

If the Proteas strike early and capitalize on key moments, they have every chance to rewrite history.

Conclusion: IPL as Test Prep—A Calculated Gamble

Josh Hazlewood’s decision to use the IPL as preparation for the WTC Final has sparked a larger discussion on format compatibility and modern cricket planning. While some believe it offers match-readiness, others argue it lacks the tactical depth needed for red-ball cricket.

As the WTC Final gets underway, all eyes will be on Hazlewood—not just to see how he performs, but to evaluate whether T20 cricket can serve as a launchpad for Test success.

Regardless of the outcome, this match is poised to be a thrilling contest between a well-oiled Australian machine and a determined South African unit with history at stake.

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