Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Wounded lions

Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood believes India’s confidence would have been shaken by the shocking series loss to New Zealand, but the “sleeping giant” can mount a strong comeback in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting later this month.

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.

“It might awaken a sleeping giant, so to speak. We’ll see that when they come out,” Hazlewood said.

Not only did the drubbing at home mark one of the darkest moments in India’s Test cricket history, it has also significantly impacted the Rohit Sharma-led side’s chances of qualifying for next year’s World Test Championship (WTC) final.

Three back-to-back losses meant that India have lost their top spot to Australia in the WTC standings. India are now faced with a tough task of winning four of their five matches against Australia to qualify for their third consecutive WTC final without relying on external results.

It might awaken a sleeping giant, so to speak. We’ll see that when they come out. It’s obviously better them losing 0-3 than winning 3-0, easily. The confidence might have taken a bit of a hit. Josh Hazlewood, Australia pacer

“It’s obviously better them losing 0-3 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.”

Hazlewood’s fellow quick Scott Boland also thought the India side that turns up on the opening day of the first Test at Perth on November 22 could be an altogether tougher proposition to the team that meekly folded against the Black Caps.

“I think the conditions are so different,” he said. “Obviously, the last couple of times India’s come to Australia, they’ve done really well. Yeah, there’s so much more bounce here. I think the way they’ll structure up their team (might) be completely different to what you see over in India.”

Hazlewood, who is a part of Australia’s three-pronged pace attack along with Mitchell Starc and skipper Pat Cummins, lauded his Trans-Tasman rivals for achieving something no other team has been able to do. “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.

Hazlewood said “everything is falling into place” for Australia as the series approaches. “It’s just a huge series. Every time we play India, it’s right up there with the Ashes,” Hazlewood said. “I think the crowds will be massive. I think the TV ratings could be huge. (There is talk) it could be the biggest ever.”