New Delhi:
The series loss against New Zealand has led to doubts over India’s chances to win the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under. The Kiwis thrashed India 3-0 to win the first-ever Test rubber on Indian soil, breaking their host’s unbeaten streak of 18 Test series win at home. After India’s six batting collapses in the past couple of weeks, Australian bowlers will be licking their fingers. However, Aussie quick Josh Hazlewood feels otherwise.
Speaking with Sydney Morning Herald ahead of the much-awaited Test series, the right-arm pacer felt India are wounded after the loss against New Zealand and therefore can’t be taken lightly.
“It might awaken a sleeping giant, so to speak. We will see that when they come out,” Hazlewood was quoted as saying.
“It is obviously better losing 3-0 than winning 3-0, easily. The confidence might have taken a bit of a hit. A lot of them have been out here (in Australia), but there are a few batters who have not, so they will be a bit unsure of what to expect. I do not think you can read too much into it. The results are obviously good for us in a way,” he added.
Hazlewood credited New Zealand for an impactful performance in India to win the series 3-0.
“Credit to the Kiwi boys. They played outstanding cricket. To win 3-0 in India is unbelievable. It’s hard enough to win one game there, let alone every match of the series,” he concluded.
Following the Test series loss, India have slipped to the second spot on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table while Australia have jumped up to the pole position. Now, if India want to make it to their third consecutive final, they need to defeat Aussies by a margin of 4-0 to qualify on their own.
The most awaited Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will begin on November 22, with the first Test at Perth.
