India vs Australia: “I have had some luck against him” – Josh Hazlewood speaks on nullifying the ‘Virat Kohli’ effect


With the 4-match Test series between India and Australia looming, revenge will be on the latter’s minds after what was a demoralizing loss the last time these sides met Down Under. This time around, the Aussies will go into the series as favorites because of the fact that they’ve got a stronger team now courtesy the return of David Warner and Steve Smith who were banned back then.
The absence of Virat Kohli after the first Test due to his ‘paternity leave’ will be a huge blow for India but the Indian skipper will want to make the most of his presence in the first Test by getting his team off to a terrific start. His battle against the Australian pacers and especially Josh Hazlewood who has had the knack of dismissing him a lot, in the first match could as well set the tone for the entire series.
‘It is crucial to start well against Kohli’ – Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood spoke to the press today ahead of the looming Test series and questions were focused on the pacer’s battle against Virat Kohli. “No, I don’t think so (I have the wood on him). I have had some luck against him of late in the white-ball stuff. I mean you take a little bit into the next format. But I guess it is pretty much a fresh start. It is a different story with the pink ball but he obviously scored some runs with the red ball last time around,” Hazlewood said.
Hazlewood who dismissed Kohli in all three ODIs of the tour then said, “I think it is crucial to start well against him. We (have) only got him (to play) for two innings in the one (first) Test. It is crucial to start well and hopefully nullify his effect in those innings.”
Hazlewood was then quizzed on the ploy of employing short deliveries against the Indian batters. “I think at different times yeah (we’ll use short deliveries). It has probably been a tactic all the time here in Australia with probably considering the bounce and pace compared to other countries and wickets tend to be flat from time to time. I guess, if we are not getting results on the front-foot, we will challenge, at different times, with the bouncer with the leg-side,” he added.
India will face Australia in the first Test at the Adelaide Oval on the 17th of December.
Nevin Clinton
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