‘Sleeping giant’ India might awaken after NZ whitewash: Josh Hazlewood warns Australia ahead of BGT series | Cricket News

New Zealand may have drubbed India 3-0 and handed them their first major Test series whitewash at home, but Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood would not read much too much into the results before India head Down Under for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Rather, the 33-year-old seamer believes the defeat may have given the perfect wake-up call for India before their first five-match Test series meeting against Australia since 1990.
“It might awaken a sleeping giant, so to speak,” Hazlewood told The Sydney Morning Herald after a Sheffield Shield outing for New South Wales.
Hazlewood, however, said India’s defeat will still be a morale boost for Australia, who have not won the BGT series at home since 2014-15, losing in both the 2018-19 and 2020-21 editions.
“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’s 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.
“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 added.
India’s series defeat has dropped them down to second spot behind Australia in the World Test Championship standings. Given the scenarios, it is unlikely that both Australia and India can qualify together for a second successive WTC final.
India have cancelled a match simulation game with the junior India A side which was previously slated to be held at the WACA in Peth between November 15-17. Instead, Rohit Sharma’s men have opted for centre-wicket practice at the venue.
The first Test of the BGT series will commence at the Optus Stadium in Perth from November 22.