ICC World Cup 2019: Josh Hazlewood Disappointed With World Cup Snub

The Australian selectors have left out fast bowler Josh Hazlewood from their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019. Although disappointed by the snub, Hazlewood remains hopeful that the selectors will keep him in mind if Australia need a mid-tournament replacement.

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Hazlewood disappointed with World Cup snub

Meanwhile, the defending champions have named a strong team including David Warner and Steven Smith for the upcoming marquee event. The pace attack comprises of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff, and Kane Richardson which is one of the best of the world. Moreover, the team have picked up the right time after a dismal last 18 months just ahead of the showpiece event. The Aaron Finch-led side defeated India on their own soil 3-2 after going down by two matches. Following that, they whitewashed Pakistan in the five-match series in the UAE.

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However, Josh Hazlewood received another blow when Trevor Hohns‘ panel doubled down on that snub last week, calling up Kane Richardson rather than Hazlewood when Jhye Richardson (dislocated shoulder) had to withdraw from the tournament. The selectors felt Hazlewood will have a short of match practice ahead of the World Cup instead, he should focus on the Ashes series just after the showpiece event.

The right-arm fast bowler admits that it is absolutely heart-breaking not to be a part of the World Cup. He also agreed that the shortage of game time went against him ahead of the team selection. However, Josh Hazlewood still has hopes as the selectors can still alter their squad till May 23 without intimation from ICC.

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“It was obviously bitterly disappointing,” Hazlewood said. “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. 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,” he added.

Australia will start their World Cup campaign on June 1 against Afghanistan.

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