‘It’s hard to get his wicket’: Hazlewood’s statement on this Indian star
During a discussion on the RCB podcast, the Australia bowler made a fascinating comment on Team India’s ace batter. Earlier this month, India beat Australia 2-1 in a four-Test series to lift the Border Gavaskar Trophy for the fourth consecutive time. India started the series with a similar home win in 2017; since then, the team has won back-to-back series against Australia before repeating the feat this year. Australian bowlers were particularly annoyed by batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, who was a key player in India’s victory in all four series.
Pujara played some fine innings as India beat Australia 2-1 in the 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Trophy competition. Virat Kohli left the squad after the first test due to personal issues, while top striker Mohammed Shami was sent off after the game in Adelaide. Additionally, KL Rahul, Umesh Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja were also injured in the series.
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who starred in the series, claimed that Cheteshwar Pujara was one of the toughest batsmen due to his emphasis on wickets. Pujara recorded a century in his longest form this year after scoring 271 in four Tests in the series.
“It’s a bigger thrill for the the bowlers (to dismiss Pujara). I think when you do end up getting his wicket, it means you have earned it,” Hazlewood stated, as reported by PTI, on the RCB podcast.
“It means you’ve put in a lot of hard work. Whether it is the fifth ball he (Pujara) faces… you’ve already bowled to him in the previous Test matches, you’ve earned that respect and you’ve earned that wicket,” Hazlewood, who led RCB’s pace attack during the IPL 2022 and claimed 20 wickets, was also included.
Hazelwood claimed to have had several epic fights with the legendary Indian player and praised his talent. “He’s someone I’ve had some great tussles over the years, and, in particular, in Australia. He’s someone Australians love to hate but he’s a fantastic player and I guess that is part of Test cricket. When you do get him out, you’ve earned it,” In light of the tendon issue, Hazlewood’s participation in the IPL 2023 may be in jeopardy, he added.
