It’s one we need to tick off: Hazlewood

Pacer Josh Hazlewood conceded that despite Australia having bested India to claim the World Test Championship 2023 Final, winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade was high up on their wishlist.

When Australia last bested India in a Test series, Josh Hazlewood made his debut in the longest format, as the hosts wrapped up a 2-0 win from four Tests.

10 years on, as the two teams brace themselves for five gruelling matches in the Australian summer, Hazlewood believes the hosts have their eyes firmly set on reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Speaking to the reporters ahead of the Perth Test, Hazlewood said, "I know there's a lot of guys in the squad that have never beaten India in a Test series. Obviously we've beaten them in the World Test Championship Final but there are only a couple others who were there when we beat them 2-0 all the way back in 2014/15.

"Yeah, everyone is really determined. It's sort of one that we need to tick off, as a group in particular."

While India have emerged victorious over the last four Test series between the two nations - including their last two tours Down Under - the visitors arrive to these shores on the back of a numbing defeat at the hands of New Zealand at home.

Come the Perth Test, Hazlewood believes, India will be starting afresh under different conditions and a more relaxing atmosphere around the team.

"We have had overseas losses and then come, and played some good cricket. I think professional sportspersons can put those losses on the backburner pretty quickly these days and learn from it," he said.

"In particular, when they are out of India, they might be able to relax a bit more. You know, not being under the hype of a home Test. Get into Australia, get out and about a little bit, relax and enjoy their freedom a little bit. The conditions being so different, it's sort of a fresh start as well. I think they'll be hungry, they'll be ready to go," Hazlewood added.

One of the notable absentees in the upcoming series, who featured heavily in India's triumph over the last two tours, is Cheteshwar Pujara.

Hazlewood confessed that the stonewaller, who faced over 2200 deliveries and amassed 792 runs across eight Tests in Australia, not being part of the Indian squad for the five Tests are happy tidings for the pacer.

"I am happy that Puj (Pujara) is not here. He is obviously someone who bats time and spends a lot of time at the crease and makes you earn his wicket every time. Has done really well in Australia on previous tours."

Cheteshwar Pujara has 18 Test hundreds and has been India's second-highest run-scorer over the last 24 months.

Having replaced Pujara in the Indian lineup - at number three - Shubman Gill's availability for the Perth Test has also been under doubt after he sustained a thumb injury in an intra-squad practice match at WACA.

Updating on the 25-year-old's fitness, India's bowling coach Morne Morkel on Wednesday said, "Shubman is improving on a day-by-day basis. We will take a call on the morning of the Test. He played well in the match simulation during the build-up, so fingers crossed."