Australia has gained the lead by comfortably winning the pink ball Test match against India on Saturday in Adelaide. And with Virat Kohli missing in the last three Test matches, the host chances to clinch the victory in the Test series have increased. But Australia’s premier pacer Josh Hazlewood, who registered a five-wicket haul in Adelaide on day three, believes that India has many good options on the bench to replace Virat Kohli but reckons that they are not par with their captain.
India have got class batters on sidelines to come in, obviously not of Virat’s class: Josh Hazlewood
During the post-match press conference, Josh Hazlewood said that there will be a different challenge for both the side in the coming matches because it will be a red-ball match. He believes that there will be a difficulty for both the side with Virat Kohli missing on the Indian side. But he opines that India has capable players who would replace and will come out with full planning.
“It’s going to be different. It’s a lot different wicket with the pink ball than Melbourne, so it is going to be a fresh start for both batters and bowlers. Obviously, there will be a player coming in for Virat. They have quite class players on the bench, to be honest. So good players will come in and will be having plans for them no doubt,” Hazlewood said during the virtual post-match press conference.
However, Josh Hazlewood concerns that India has the batsman who could fill in the shoes of Kohli. The Team India captain is returning home to attend the birth of his first child.
“Getting all out on 36 will leave few headaches here and there and obviously Virat leaving so there will be a hole but they have got class batters on sidelines to come in, obviously not of Virat’s class,” he added.
“It’s great to be one up rather than one down as were last time here. Next Test with the red ball will be a fresh start on a different wicket,” said Josh Hazlewood.
Meanwhile, The two teams will now lock horns in the second Test (Boxing Day) on December 26.