- By Gurmeet Batra
- Tue, 05 Nov 2024 02:18 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
India vs Australia Border Gavaskar Trophy: Australia's star pacer Josh Hazlewood believes that India's shocking Test series defeat against New Zealand might have dented their confidence but he anticipates a robust response from the "sleeping giant" India when the Aussies face Rohit Sharma-led side in the forthcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, commencing later this month.
India faced a shambolic series whitewash against New Zealand after a flopped show by their batter led the team downhill, losing the last Test by 25 runs in Mumbai on Sunday.
"It might awaken a sleeping giant, so to speak. We'll see that when they come out," Hazlewood told 'Sydney Morning Herald'.
Not only did the drubbing at home mark one of the darkest moments in India's Test cricket history, it has also significantly impacted the Rohit Sharma-led side's chances of qualifying for next year's World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Three back-to-back losses meant that India have lost their top spot to Australia in the WTC standings.
India are now faced with a tough task to win four of their five matches against Australia to qualify for their third consecutive WTC final without relying on external results.
"It's obviously better them 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, but there are 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 said.
Hazlewood, who is a part of Australia's three-pronged pace attack along with Mitchell Starc and skipper Pat Cummins, lauded his Trans-Tasman rivals for achieving something no other team has been able to do.
"Everything's falling into place. It's just a huge series. Every time we play India, it's right up there with the Ashes. I think the crowds will be massive. I think the TV ratings could be huge. (There is talk) it could be the biggest ever," Hazlewood said.
Hazlewood, who turned up for Queensland in their Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales, missed the opening ODI against Pakistan on Monday but said he would play the second match on Friday in Adelaide.
"I pretty much got out what I needed … very happy with how I bowled. Body felt surprisingly good. The longer I went, I think the better that I felt, and the rhythm was there," he added.