Justin Langer Defends Josh Hazlewood’s Omission

Melbourne: Australia head coach Justin Langer has defended the decision to exclude Josh Hazlewood from the upcoming World Cup squad, saying the pacer didn't play enough white-ball cricket in the recent time to make his case for the showpiece event.

"He just hasn't been playing any cricket," cricket.com.au quoted Justin Langer as saying.

"He's come off a second stress fracture in his back and while he's just starting to get up and running in the nets now - I think he's played six white ball games in the last 18 months - that's T20 and one-day cricket.

"We know he's a great bowler. He's a brilliant bowler, but it was just such bad timing for him," Justin Langer added.

Hazlewood played a vital role in Australia's successful campaign in the World Cup four years ago and was also the number one ranked bowler in ODIs in 2017.

The right-arm pacer had last week expressed his disappointment over the snub after Kane Richardson was preferred by selectors following the shoulder injury that forced Jhye Richardson out of the squad. IANS

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