Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood believes that the Indian team’s confidence may have taken a hit after the 0-3 series whitewash to New Zealand on home soil. However, he added that the heavy defeat might end up awakening the ‘sleeping giant’ and this may lead India to make a comeback in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series.
“It might awaken a sleeping giant, so to speak. We’ll see that when they come out,” Hazlewood told Sydney Morning Herald.
The series drubbing against New Zealand not only marked India’s first-ever whitewash in a Test series on home soil, but also seriously dampened the Men in Blue’s chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
3 consecutive losses against the Black Caps saw India give away their top spot on the WTC points table to Australia, who now have a big chance to beat India at home and reach a second consecutive WTC final.
“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,” Hazlewood said.
“I don’t think you can read too much into it. The results are obviously good for us in a way.” Hazlewood added.
“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,” Hazlewood concluded.
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