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'Rohit Sharma & Co. needed a kick in the A***': Matthew Hayden's brutal assessment of India's 0-3 sweep

By Sai Vaitla

Published - 17 Nov 2024, 01:13 PM | Updated - 17 Nov 2024, 11:37 PM

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Matthew Hayden, Rishabh Pant
Matthew Hayden, Rishabh Pant {PC:X}

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Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden was critical of the Rohit Sharma-led team's humiliating loss against New Zealand ahead of their upcoming series against Australia. Matthew Hayden described the 0-3 whitewash as the "kick" India needed ahead of the five-match Test series against Australia.

The Men in Blue are currently under significant pressure as the side is on the verge of missing the berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final clash. They suffered their first home Test series defeat in 12 years. Notably, it was India’s first-ever whitewash in a three or more-match home Test series.

The Kick Up The A*se That India Need - Matthew Hayden

Matthew Hayden said that India needed a wake-up call ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Hayden also said that India’s performance was poor but would still serve as valuable preparation for the upcoming challenges.

“It’s probably the kick up the a*se that India need,” Hayden said, as quoted by Sydney Morning Herald.

“Even though India copped a drubbing in that series … and were lightweight in terms of their own performance … the fact that they’ve played long format cricket is an advantage from a preparation point of view,” he said further.

Team India Set to Face Australia for Five-Match Test Series

India is set to take on Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting November 22 in Perth. They are currently preparing for the tough conditions in Australia and will also miss skipper Rohit Sharma for the first Test match. Their WTC Final chances were damaged by their recent series loss to the Kiwis.

India's batting struggled throughout the series against New Zealand, with key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failing to perform. Aside from Rishabh Pant, the rest of the Indian batsmen didn’t make a significant impact. The team will look to improve their batting when they face Australia in Perth.

Almost Impossible To Replace David Warner - Matthew Hayden

Matthew Hayden urged Australian fans not to expect immediate results from Nathan McSweeney in the upcoming series. Hayden said that it would be difficult to replace David Warner at the top of the order.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day. It’s almost impossible to replace David Warner at the top of the order. The side is going to feel different without the ‘Bull’ at the top of the order.”

“The first 20-odd Test matches that I’d played, I think I was averaging 30. The first seven or so Test matches, I was averaging 20. On debut, I got 15 and five. Sir Donald Bradman got 18 and one on debut. Steve Waugh made 13 and five.”

“It’s crazy to think that it’s just going to be sunshine. I can assure you one thing, it’s mostly hailing in Test cricket, and in particular at the top. I just think that the Australian public should understand that this is going to be a really challenging summer of cricket.”

Also read: KL Rahul sensationally told to 'get away from family & friends' by Sourav Ganguly amid ugly slump

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Matthew Hayden Australia National Cricket Team India National Cricket Team Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 IND vs AUS India vs Australia
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