Travis Head Responds to Gavaskar's Criticism of Josh Hazlewood: 'Everyone is entitled to their opinion'

In his recent column for Sportstar, Gavaskar observed, "There were no apparent signs of injury impacting Hazlewood during his media appearances in Perth. Tension looms over the Australian squad, with former players calling for major adjustments. Hazlewood's comments on the third day of play have undoubtedly stirred up discussions within their dressing room."

Gavaskar’s comments centered on the fact that Hazlewood didn’t show any obvious signs of discomfort during his post-match media interaction in Perth, leading the legendary former cricketer to speculate about potential tensions within the Australian dressing room.

Head, however, brushed off Gavaskar’s comments, calling them “pretty funny” and surprising. Speaking on The Willow Talk Podcast, he said, “I was surprised at Sunny’s comments. They were pretty funny. Dropping ‘Hoff’ (Hazlewood) and throwing a couple of daggers and shooting across the bow, but who cares? It is what it is. Everyone is paid to have an opinion.”

Head suggested that Gavaskar’s remarks might have been aimed at creating some drama or controversy, something that is often common in the commentary world.

“He’s in the entertainment business as a few teams around the world would say. He’s in the commentary team. If that makes it more fun for him, then go for it,” Head added.

Hazlewood’s absence for the second Test will be a blow for Australia, especially considering his impressive performance in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide during the previous series, where he played a key role in Australia’s demolition of India for just 36 runs in the second innings.

Hazlewood has been an instrumental part of the Australian attack in recent years, and was also crucial to the side in the first Test, where he picked four wickets in the first innings.