New Delhi: India lost their first Test series in home after 12 years after New Zealand swept the three-match series 3-0, but Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has cautioned this teammates that the loss can ‘shake the sleeping giant’ and they will aim to bounce back in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
India lost Test matches in Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai, which was the first time the hosts losing three Tests in a row at home. While chasing 147 in the third Test, India were bowled out for 121 with Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips
India suffered a humiliating series whitewash after losing the third match by 25 runs to New Zealand in Mumbai on Sunday, the first time in their Test history, which goes back to 1933.exposing the frailty against playing spin. The Indian team will be under pressure as it needs to win four matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to vie for a World Test Championship (WTC) final spot.
“It might awaken a sleeping giant, so to speak. We’ll see that when they come out,” Hazlewood told Sydney Morning Herald.
India dropped to second place in the WTC standings after the whitewash against New Zealand. This came as a blessing in disguise for Australia, who not only moved to the top spot, but will also get the opportunity to exert pressure.
Australia need to win at least two matches to bolster their WTC final hopes and the reigning champions will also play Sri Lanka after the five Tests against India. Hazlewood said that Indian players might have dropped their confidence after the recent embarrassment.
“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,” the Aussie pacer added.
Hazlewood credits trans-Tasman rivals for remarkable achievement
India were dominant on their home turf, winning 18 Test series in a row from 2013 to November 2024. They defeated England (2016, 2021 & 2024) and Australia (2013, 2017, 2023) three times each in this period while New Zealand also failed to decode the mantra to beat the Asian giants in the Tests after losing in 2016 (3-0) and 2021 (1-0).
However, Tom Latham and his men were totally prepared to adapt in the tough conditions, responding to each query with utmost vigour. Hazlewood lauded their trans-Tasman neighbours for the manner in which they did the unthinkable.
“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 said.
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