Australia’s ace fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has identified Indian captain Rohit Sharma as one of the most challenging batters to bowl to, praising his technique and ability to handle pace. Known for his exceptional timing and ability to tackle fast bowling, Rohit’s skills have earned him the respect of many top bowlers, including Hazlewood.
Rohit’s record against Australia in Test matches speaks to his consistency and class. The Indian captain has accumulated 708 runs in 12 Tests against Australia, averaging 33.71. As the opener in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he is expected to play a pivotal role.
Rohit’s impressive performance in tough overseas conditions, such as his 368 runs at an average of 52.57 during India’s 2021 tour of England, has further solidified his reputation as a top-order batsman capable of thriving in challenging situations.
Despite Hazlewood’s recognition of Rohit’s talent, the Indian skipper has faced some battles against the Australian pacer. In their direct encounters, Rohit has scored 54 runs off 171 balls while Hazlewood has managed to dismiss him once. Hazlewood, speaking on Star Sports, highlighted Rohit’s ability to handle pace and bounce with ease.
“He’s faced the new ball a lot, and I feel like he plays the quicks unbelievably well,” Hazlewood remarked. “The bounce doesn’t seem to worry him, nor does the movement. He’s got all the time in the world, which makes him tough to bowl to.”
Nathan Lyon Names Key Players for India Ahead of Border-Gavasker Trophy
Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon also weighed in on the upcoming series, naming Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant as the key players for India. Lyon emphasized that the trio, along with emerging talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, will pose a significant challenge to Australia’s bowling unit.
Lyon, speaking to Star Sports, acknowledged India’s formidable lineup. “Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant are probably going to be the three big ones. But then you’ve still got Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Jadeja. It’s an amazing lineup, and it’s going to be a massive challenge for us.”
The highly anticipated Test series between India and Australia is set to begin on November 22 in Perth, where both teams will look to gain an early advantage in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
