'Scared' Josh Hazlewood warns Pat Cummins, claims India’s 0-3 humiliation could awaken ‘sleeping giant’ in BGT

Australia National Cricket Team pacer Josh Hazlewood does not doubt that India National Cricket Team will be competitive in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. He believes that losing the Test series against New Zealand might have awakened a sleeping giant.

India National Cricket Team have come under massive pump after they faced a 3-0 Test series loss to the New Zealand National Cricket Team in the Test series at home. This not only has seen their chances to qualify for the final taking a massive hit but also has put them under pressure going into Tests against Australia.

India will be taking on Australia in the five-match Test series

India National Cricket Team will now be taking on Australia in the five-match Test series. To qualify for the final of the World Test Championship, they cannot afford to lose a single game, and with a loss in the series against New Zealand at home, not many are backing them to win in Australia.

But one cannot write them off, especially with what they have done on their last two tours to Australia. India have managed to win the last two series down under, and this time around, they would be hoping to achieve the same and complete a hattrick of wins.

But it would require a humongous effort from them this around. This is because it will be a different Indian unit from what it was on the last two tours. Some of the players will be playing their first-ever game down under, and also, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli not being in form, it will be a massive challenge for the team.

It might awaken a sleeping giant, so to speak - Josh Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood, who is set to be part of the Australia team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, believes that India's confidence might have taken a hit after the Test series against the New Zealand National Cricket Team. He is also aware of the fact that they don't expect what will be ahead because some players will be playing for the first time.

Josh Hazlewood also credited New Zealand National Cricket for beating India. While highlighting the importance of winning even one game there, they said that it was an unbelievable feat for the Kiwis. While speaking to Sydney Morning Heraldd, he said:

"It might awaken a sleeping giant, so to speak. It’s better for them to lose 3-0 than win 3-0 easily. The confidence might have taken a bit of a hit. A lot of them have been out here, but there’s a few batters who haven’t, so they’ll be a bit unsure of what to expect,"

"I don’t think you can read too much into it. The results are obviously good for us in a way. 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."

Every time we play India, it’s right up there with the Ashes - Josh Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood also mentioned that the series against the India National Cricket Team will be huge and stated that the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is right up there with Ashes. He added that this could be the biggest series ever. He explained:

"Everything’s falling into place. It’s just a huge series. Every time we play India, it’s right up there with the Ashes. I think the crowds will be massive. I think the TV ratings could be huge. [There is talk] it could be the biggest ever."

Josh Hazlewood, over the years, has troubled Indian batters, and this around would be hoping to do the same. It remains to be seen if Australia will deny India series win this time around or not.

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