Hazlewood fears India’s humiliation might work against Australia

SYDNEY: Australia quick Josh Hazlewood is concerned that New Zealand’s stunning series sweep of India might “awaken a sleeping giant” when Rohit Sharma’s touring party arrive Down Under for their blockbuster five-test series.

New Zealand became the first team to sweep India 3-0 at home when they won the third test in Mumbai by 25 runs on Sunday, a reverse that Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar said should be the trigger for “introspection”.

Hazlewood, who was on the losing side when India triumphed on their last two visits to Australia in 2018-19 and again in 2020-21, was full of praise for New Zealand’s remarkable feat but cautious about what it might mean for the upcoming series.

“It might awaken a sleeping giant, so to speak. We’ll see that when they come out,” the 33-year-old told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“It’s obviously better them losing 3-0 than winning 3-0, easily. The confidence might have taken a bit of a hit. (Reuters)