Josh Hazlewood's manager, Neil Maxwell, expressed his anger regarding the misuse of the Australian cricketer's comments by Fox Cricket, which suggested a rift within the team. Maxwell criticised the broadcaster for allegedly attempting to create controversy by taking Hazlewood’s remarks from a press conference out of context. He argued that the comments made during the first Test against India were misinterpreted and sensationalised, igniting unnecessary speculation.
Maxwell emphasised that the Australian players have never been closer, refuting the notion of any division in the dressing room. He found the interpretation of Hazlewood's comment—that he couldn't answer a question meant for the batters—as "ridiculous," asserting that such assumptions undermine the credibility of those discussing the issue.
He warned that these kinds of sensational interpretations discourage players from engaging openly with the media. In his critique of the cricket media landscape, Maxwell noted the relentless pursuit of controversial stories among journalists, which diminishes the incentive for players to share any insights.
The situation escalated after Hazlewood’s comment during a discussion about the team’s performance following a heavy defeat. The next day, Fox Cricket prompted dialogue among commentators about potential discord within the team, leading to further speculation and an exacerbated narrative featured in a dramatic online segment.