Hazlewood Concerned That India’s Humiliation Might Work Against Australia in Upcoming Series
Hazlewood’s Australian teammate Scott Boland echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the Indian team that arrives in Australia will likely be a much tougher opponent than the one that suffered the whitewash against New Zealand.
Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has expressed concern that India’s recent 3-0 loss at home to New Zealand might "awaken a sleeping giant" when Rohit Sharma’s team arrives in Australia for their highly anticipated five-Test series starting later this month.
New Zealand made history by becoming the first team to whitewash India in a Test series on Indian soil, with their 25-run victory in the third Test in Mumbai on Sunday. This result has prompted many to reflect on India’s struggles, with cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar calling for "introspection" within the Indian team.
Hazlewood, who was part of the Australian team during India's victories in the 2018-19 and 2020-21 series Down Under, acknowledged New Zealand's remarkable achievement but warned that the defeat could fuel India’s desire for a strong comeback. "It might awaken a sleeping giant, so to speak. We'll see that when they come out," Hazlewood said in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald.
He added, "It's obviously better them losing 3-0 than winning 3-0, easily. The confidence might have taken a bit of a hit, but a lot of them have been out here, and there’s a few batters who haven't, so they'll be a bit unsure of what to expect. I don't think you can read too much into it. The results are obviously good for us in a way."
Hazlewood’s Australian teammate Scott Boland echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the Indian team that arrives in Australia will likely be a much tougher opponent than the one that suffered the whitewash against New Zealand. "I think the conditions are so different," said Boland. "Obviously, the last couple of times India’s come to Australia, they’ve done really well. Yeah, there’s so much more bounce here."
Boland, who is vying for a spot in the Test squad, will play for Australia A in the second four-day match against India A in Melbourne, a key fixture in his bid to feature in the upcoming series.
The upcoming Test series between Australia and India promises to be a highly competitive affair, with both teams well aware of the importance of setting the tone early in what is expected to be a closely contested battle.