Michael Clarke not sure Josh Hazlewood’s IPL stint is best preparation for Ashes

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has questioned Josh Hazlewood’s participation in the Indian Premier League, suggesting the stint could harm the seamer’s Ashes prospects. I don’t know why he’s not over here in Australia preparing to play Test match cricket,” Hazlewood told Fox Sports after Hazlewood’s comeback appearance. “But I just don’t know if him bowling three overs, four overs right now is his best preparation for an Ashes series after the injuries he’s had and the amount of time he’s had out of Test cricket.” “It’s great to see him back playing, there’s no doubt about it, but for Australian Test cricket fans, you want to see him at his best for this Ashes series.” Hazlewood landed a £758,000 deal with RCB, while key all-rounder Cameron Green scored a bumper £1.69million contract with Mumbai Indians. “Unless Cricket Australia are going to say, ‘OK, the IPL has just offered you 3million for eight weeks… we’ll pay you that 3million, you stay home and train with us’, there’s nothing they can do.” Hazlewood and Green are both in a 17-man squad that has been named for next month’s World Test Championship final against India and the first two Ashes Tests at Edgbaston and Lord’s.