"Haven’t seen something like this" - Abhishek Sharma confesses fear after Josh Hazlewood’s brutal spell

The explosive India National Cricket Team opening batsman Abhishek Sharma has admitted to being awestruck by the sensational spell bowled by the premier Australia National Cricket Team quick Josh Hazlewood in the second T20I.

Abhishek Sharma said that he hadn't seen something quite like the spell bowled by Josh Hazlewood at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday, October 31.

Our team plan is to dominate the top order - Abhishek Sharma

The 25-year-old Abhishek is currently the No. 1-ranked batsman in the ICC Men's T20I Batting Rankings, and he has already achieved the highest-ever rating points by a batsman in the history of T20I cricket.

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He has shown something new to world cricket, that is, consistency with an ultra-aggressive brand of batting in T20I cricket. The left-handed batter has been in unbelievable form and has single-handedly destroyed the opposition by consistently scoring explosive runs.

In the second T20I against Australia, the Indian batting unit was decimated by the Josh Hazlewood-led bowling unit, and the only batter who looked good in the middle was Abhishek Sharma.

It looked like the opener was batting on a different surface altogether, and he blasted 68 runs off 37 balls, with 8 fours and 2 sixes, as India ended up scoring 125 runs.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Abhishek stated that he wanted to continue playing an attacking brand of cricket throughout his innings, but after India lost quick wickets, he had to adapt and hold the innings together. He stated:

"First of all, obviously, I play according to the team plan. Our team plan is to dominate the top order. But today, I think it was a little unexpected for us.

"They caught the spot as bowlers, their line and lengths were perfect. And when cricketers are falling in front of you, no matter who you are, you have to play a little for the team."

It was not easy to hit shots - Abhishek Sharma

The explosive opener further stated that the surface at the Melbourne Cricket Ground was a tough one to bat on, and the Australian bowlers utilized it very well.

Abhishek added that he tried to play according to the situation, and the shot-making was difficult on that kind of pitch.

"So, (I played) according to the situation, obviously, it is not that I was not aware of the situation. I felt that the more the score would be (it would be better for the team), because the wicket was looking very difficult while playing. It was not easy to hit shots. But this was my mindset," he explained.

But the way he bowled today even surprised me - Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek further talked about Josh Hazlewood's insane spell with the new ball, where he bowled Test-match lengths and returned with exceptional figures of 3/13.

He said that the pacer took him by surprise with his sensational bowling and executed his plans to absolute perfection against the Indian batters. The opener said:

"I was watching him in the ODIs as well, so we knew he'd give us challenges. But the way he bowled today even surprised me. I haven't seen something like this in T20s. It was something new for me as a batter who wants to dominate. But he had a plan, and he just executed it perfectly."

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