New Delhi: As India have an enviable squad depth, Australia would have to lift their performace to win at home in a forthcoming Test series, Josh Hazlewood has said.
Australia are slated to host India in a five-match Test series from November 22, having been beaten in the previous four engagements – home and away – in between the two teams.
The Aussies have last beaten India in a bilateral Test series in 2014-15. Hazlewood said they are keen to beat India again in Tests, having beaten them in the final of 2023 ODI World Cup.
“There are quite a few players who have never beaten India in a Test series. It’s quite astounding to say that. That’s one we need to tick off, definitely, in particular at home – we should pretty much win every series here at home,” the pacer was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
Hazlewood recalled that in their last Test series in Australia in 2020-21, India made a remarkable turnaround after being shot out for 36 runs, pointing to their overall squad strength.
“That last series we obviously bowled them out for 36 in Adelaide and we thought here we go, [we are] back at home [and] confident on these grounds. People say we played India B in that last Test, but they can sometimes be stronger than the best team. They’ve got unbelievable depth in all formats and we are starting to see that now,” the 33-year-old said.
In 2020-21, after India crashed to an eight wicket loss in Adelaide in the first Test, they fought back to win the second match in Melbourne without egular skipper Virat Kohli.
Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane scored a century to help India stage a remarkable comeback, drawing third Test in Sydney and registering a historic win at the Gabba in Brisbane.
India have won their last two series in Australia , India aim for a hat trick of series wins Down Under.
Australia are slated to host India in a five-match Test series from November 22, having been beaten in the previous four engagements – home and away – in between the two teams. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
