As Australia prepares for its high-stakes Test series against India, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has insisted that his focus will not be solely on Virat Kohli in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, starting on November 22 in Perth’s Optus Stadium. .
Hazlewood emphasized that the Indian team is packed with exceptional talent and the biggest challenge is dealing with the entire batting line-up, especially the top six, not just Virat Kohli. The Australian pacer said that Virat Kohli is a world-class batsman and would be hungry for runs.
Josh Hazlewood says entire Indian batting line-up a threat, not just Virat Kohli
Furthermore, he pointed out that Virat Kohli is the best batsman in all formats, and the former Indian captain has an amazing record in Australia, but still, Virat Kohli is not his main target, focusing on the top six batsmen in the upcoming Test. five games. series, as the batsman’s recent form was alarming.
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With India’s deep pool of batting talent, Josh Hazlewood acknowledged the constant pressure on players to perform, and said the Indian cricket team’s relentless depth makes them formidable in any match. Hazlewood is really aware of the caliber of the Indian players and says that regardless of who is selected in the playing XI for the Perth Test, they are “incredible players”.
Josh Hazlewood said in the press conference: “There are always young, fresh guys coming into the Indian team. They are under a lot of pressure to perform in the Indian team with so many boys on their heels all the time. So whoever they pick from those 11, they’re incredible players. So, yeah, it doesn’t really matter who they pick. “They are all great players.”
Hazlewood firmly believes any disruption to the top six will have an impact, but the real concern for Australia is the overall strength and depth of the Indian team, not just Virat Kohli.
The amount of talent in the Indian team is incredible: Josh Hazlewood
The Australian pacer highlighted the unique challenge posed by India and described their talent pool as superior to that of any other cricketing nation ahead of the much-anticipated Test series opener in Perth.
With the focus on a new group of young Indians in Australia, Hazlewood emphasized that all the players in the Indian XI have “earned their stripes” and will be ready to perform, regardless of the conditions, and are ready for the fiercely competitive Test. series.
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Hazlewood further explained: “I mean, any time you disrupt the top six, it’s a problem. But I think, as I said before, the amount of talent in the Indian team is incredible. The depth is phenomenal, better than in any other country in the world, honestly. So whoever enters has earned his stripes and will undoubtedly do well.
I bowled with them the last few days and, for several years now, they are pretty good players with pretty good records. So, yes, I know they will find a way, for sure, in whatever condition affects us.”
Australians did not dispute India’s cover-up against New Zealand
The Australian pacer also revealed that the hosts have not discussed India’s whitewashing at the hands of New Zealand in their three-match test series at home. Hazlewood emphasized that professional players can put those losses on the back burner pretty quickly these days and learn from it.
He further noted that the Indian players will be a little relaxed and will enjoy their freedom, and said that they will be hungry and ready for a new start in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.