“Desperation to create controversy”: Josh Hazlewood's manager criticizes media for misreporting pacer's comments

Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood's manager Neil Maxwell has criticized the country's media for blowing the player's comments out of proportion. He also criticized Fox Cricket, the official broadcaster of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Hazlewood was embroiled in controversy last month due to his comments during Australia's Perth Test against India. At a press conference at the end of play on the third day of the match, Hazlewood was asked how Australia would play on the fourth day. His response to the question was, “You'd probably have to ask that question to one of the batsmen. I'm resting and trying to get a bit of physio and a bit of treatment, and I'm probably mostly looking towards the next one.” Test and what can we plan against these batsmen.”

“I think what the batsmen are doing is sticking to their preparation. They will have success in the morning and talk about their plans based on what happened in the first innings, how they can negate it and move on and in that Can improve.” he adds.

By the end of the third day in the Perth Test, Australia had scored 12 runs for 3 wickets while chasing the target of 534 runs. They were eventually out for 238 and India won the game by 295 runs.

Hazlewood's comments led to speculation of a possible rift in the dressing room.

“It's been taken out of context and in a negative light,” Maxwell told The Sydney Morning Herald. “You have never seen a more close-knit group of players than we have had in the last two years of Australian cricket.

“To make the impression from a No. 11 batsman's comment, 'You better ask one of the batsmen' is pretty ridiculous. They completely lose credibility.”

“There's a desperation to create controversy when you're 40. The cricket media are all trying to get the daily story. I think there's no way for the players to provide any color in response,” he said. There is no incentive.”