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Australia vs India: Josh Hazlewood gives insights on Australia's strategy for Border-Gavaskar Trophy
As anticipation builds for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Australian pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood has revealed a strategic shift in the team's approach. Hazlewood noted that the Australians are now concentrating on India's emerging talents rather than solely focusing on their experienced veterans. This change in strategy highlights a keen awareness of the evolving landscape of Indian cricket, where young players are making significant impacts. The upcoming five-match Test series, set to begin on November 22 in Perth, holds immense significance for both teams regarding the World Test Championship standings. Australia is determined to make a strong statement following consecutive home series losses to India in 2018-19 and 2020-21. This time around, the focus will be on rising stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, who have already shown their potential to be match-winners.
By honing in on these younger players, Australia aims to disrupt India's rhythm and capitalize on any inexperience. Hazlewood emphasized that the preparation will be thorough, as they look to turn the tide in their favor. The series promises to be a captivating contest, as both sides seek to assert themselves in the World Test Championship and prove their mettle on the international stage. Fans can expect a thrilling battle filled with intensity and skill as these two cricketing powerhouses clash.
"The strategy is probably more focused on the newer players we haven't played much Test cricket against, like Jaiswal and even Shubman Gill, who we've only faced a few times. We've played against Virat, Rohit, and others for years, so we know what to do. The plan doesn't change that often," said Aussie pacer Josh Hazlewood in a recent interview.
The Australian pacer's focus on newer players is not solely due to their inexperience. For instance, Shubman Gill has already faced Australia in six Tests, boasting an impressive average of 44.40, which includes a century and two half-centuries. Conversely, Yashasvi Jaiswal is yet to encounter the Australian attack in Test cricket, making him an intriguing prospect. Meanwhile, India is currently engaged in a two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home. Following that, they will face New Zealand in a three-match Test series before heading to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This busy schedule allows India to fine-tune their squad and strategies ahead of the highly anticipated series.
On the flip side, the Australian team is focused on a white-ball tour in England, followed by a white-ball series against Pakistan. This preparation will be crucial as they gear up for the Test series against India, where both teams will be vying for crucial World Test Championship points. With both sides in different phases of their preparations, the upcoming series promises to be a thrilling contest filled with emerging talents and seasoned players alike.
"It's about the basics, doing them well and for a long time. We usually find that 9 out of 10 times, Test cricket comes back to that Plan A. You adapt to conditions and change things throughout the day or innings, but most of the time, it's about executing that plan," Hazlewood added.
