'Toughest rivalry. The challenge is huge...': Aussie star wary of 'Team India' challenge ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy showdown

Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has acknowledged India's formidable presence in Australian conditions, recognizing their exceptional record in recent Test series. The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 will see India and Australia face off once again. While Australia has traditionally been a dominant force at home, India has defied expectations by winning their last two Test series in Australia. Their remarkable performances in 2018-19 and 2020-21 have solidified their reputation as a formidable opponent. The rivalry between India and Australia has intensified in recent years, with India winning the last four Test series, including two victories in Australia. Australia's last Test series win against India came in 2014-15, where they secured a 2-0 victory in a four-match series.

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Josh Hazlewood anticipates tough challenge against India

In an interview with Star Sports ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Josh Hazlewood acknowledged India's familiarity with Australian conditions. He highlighted India's formidable batting lineup as a significant challenge for Australia. Hazlewood also reminisced about his debut Test series, which marked the last time Australia defeated India in a Test series.

"Yeah, probably sums it up there. Toughest rivalry. It's always a great challenge playing against India and they are so used to the conditions out here. They love it in Australia," Josh Hazlewood said.

 

"The challenge is huge. Their batting, their top order, no matter who is playing, is unbelievable. Their top six or seven. I played them in my debut series obviously and we got the win. That might have been the last time (that Australia won a Test series against India)," he added.

 

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Hazlewood made his Test debut in the second Test of the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar series in Brisbane, where he claimed a five-wicket haul in his debut innings. His impressive performance contributed to Australia's narrow four-wicket victory over India.

Hazlewood also mentioned that many of the current Australian players have not experienced the feeling of defeating India in a Test series, as Australia's last series win against India came almost a decade ago.

 

"A lot of the same players are still playing. I think I got Virat (Kohli) in that game. So a lot of our players, I guess, haven't beaten India in a Test series. The guys were playing such as Travis Head, Cameron Green, guys like that. Huge summer for us coming up and hopefully (we) get that trophy back," Hazlewood concluded.

 

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-2025 will feature a five-match Test series, marking the first time since the 1991-92 season that India and Australia have faced off in a series of this length.

 

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