The series loss to New Zealand has raised serious questions on how India can be able to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under. The Kiwis dented India’s ego by inflicting a 3-0 loss to win the first Test rubber ever held in India thereby ending the hosts’ run of 18 Test series victories at home. After one week of six consecutive batting failures in the past, the bowlers from Australia would be dry licking their fingers. Nevertheless, Josh Hazlewood, the Australian fast bowler, thinks differently
Before the much-anticipated Test series, the lad made a statement to the Sydney Morning Herald saying that it is never wise to underestimate an opponent like India who has suffered a defeat considering that they had just lost to New Zealand.
“It might awaken a sleeping giant, so to speak. We will see that when they come out,” Hazlewood quoted.
“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 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 stated
Hazlewood also praised New Zealand’s exceptional performance while in India to claim the series 3-0.
“It’s an incredible credit to the Kiwi boys. Their cricket was fantastic. Who would believe in winning 3-0 in India? It is quite difficult to win even a single game, far less a clean sweep series,” he signed off.
India were given a clean sweep in the Test series and as a result have slipped to the second position in the WTC points whilst Australia has assumed the first place. For India to be able to go to their third finals, they have to beat the Aussies with a scoreline of 4-0, in order to book their qualification on their own.
This highly-anticipated Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will commence on November 22, with the first Test match scheduled to be held in Perth.
