Australia Mulls Reset After WTC Final Defeat

Following Australia's five-wicket loss to South Africa in the World Test Championship final at Lord's, former pacer Mitchell Johnson criticized Josh Hazlewood for prioritizing a return to the Indian Premier League with Royal Challengers Bengaluru over national duty, citing his fitness issues and underwhelming performance. Johnson questioned the automatic selection of Australia's 'big four' bowlers—Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon—and advocated for the inclusion of emerging talents like Sam Konstas, Josh Inglis, and Scott Boland. Captain Pat Cummins acknowledged the need for changes, especially in the top order, and suggested the defeat could prompt a team reset as the new WTC cycle begins. Cummins also credited South Africa for their resilience and deserved victory. Both Johnson and Cummins emphasized succession planning and the importance of revitalizing the squad. The team will be assessed for potential changes ahead of the West Indies tour.