CWC 2019: Josh Hazlewood "bitterly disappointed" after World Cup snub

Injured Hazlewood was left out of Australia's 15-man World Cup squad.

Josh Hazlewood | Getty

Pacer Josh Hazlewood was left deflated after not finding any favours from the national selectors who announced Australia's 15-man squad for the upcoming 50-over World Cup in UK without naming one of their best. 

Hazlewood, among the key members of the Australian side that reign supreme at the last World Cup four years back, was also the No.1 ranked ODI bowler in 2017. 

But he got left out due to a back injury, which he is currently recovering from, as the selectors felt he wouldn't have enough match practice in the build-up towards the mega event in England and Wales. 

"It was obviously bitterly disappointing. It only comes around every four years," Hazlewood was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. "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."

Hazlewood has instead been picked as the vice-captain of Australia "A" team that will play five one-day matches against County sides in England from June 20th onwards. And, he is expected to be fit in time for the Ashes. 

"Not playing cricket for four months went against me. I can see their side of things," he added. "I guess if someone went down halfway through the tournament then my chances would be a bit better (compared to last week)."

Australia, having completed its World Cup training camp at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane with three practice matches against a visiting New Zealand XI at Allan Border Field, will now play two official warm-up games versus England and Sri Lanka on May 25 and 27, respectively.

The defending champions will begin the World Cup campaign on June 1 in Bristol against Afghanistan. 

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 15 May, 2019

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