World Cup omission is bitterly disappointing, says Josh Hazlewood

28-year-old pacer Josh Hazlewood was surprisingly left out of Australia’s 15-man squad for the World Cup 2019. The right-arm fast bowler has now expressed his disappointment over his exclusion from the World Cup side. The Cricket Australia selectors have been cold enough to the experienced campaigner by not considering him for the upcoming showpiece event in England & Wales.

Hazlewood was not left out once, but twice. Firstly, when the preliminary 15-man squad was announced last month. To everyone’s shock, a couple of big and deserving names in Peter Handscomb and Josh Hazlewood didn’t find a mention. They attested that Handscomb would have no role in the team since Alex Carey will take up keeping responsibilities.

Meanwhile, it became evident last week that the selectors had no interest in going for the 28-year-old Hazlewood. Even after their preferred fast bowler Jhye Richardson was ruled out of the World event due to a dislocated shoulder, he was replaced with Kane Richardson.

Hazlewood bitterly disappointed

Having been rejected twice has been “bitterly disappointing” for the experienced pacer. Despite having the years to his advantage, the time he lost to his back injury is what stood in the way of Hazlewood and the World Cup. According to News18, Hazlewood said, “It was obviously bitterly disappointing. It only comes around every four years. I was lucky enough to experience it on home soil last time. It’ll probably hit me a bit once the tournament starts and you’re watching on TV.

However, as Jhye Richardson fell there’s a possibility that any other bowler gets injured down the line and that’s what is keeping Hazlewood still hopeful. The 28-year-old with World Cup experience feels that he would be one of the first few names the selectors might look out for if there’s another injury.

“It’s pretty hard. It’s not just a normal ODI series, it’s a World Cup. Not playing cricket for four months went against me. I can see their side of things. I guess if someone went down halfway through the tournament then my chances would be a bit better (compared to last week),” Hazlewood said. “You never know.”

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