'Against Such Batters...': Josh Hazlewood Reveals Plan To Tackle Rishabh Pant In BGT 2024-25

Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has opened up about upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, starting November 22 in Perth. Hazlewood touched upon various subjects including absence of Cheteshwar Pujara and Mohammed Shami. Hazlewood also spoke about Australia's plan to tackle Rishabh Pant, who is known for his aggressive batting style. 

"I am pretty happy that Puj (Pujara) isn't here. He's obviously one that bats time, makes you really earn his wicket every time, has done really well on Australia on all se tours," Hazlewood told reporters ahe of first Test here.

Despite Pujara's absence, he feels re is enough talent in Indian squ.

"So re's always young, fresh guys coming into Indian team. y are so much under pressure to perform in Indian team with so many nipping at ir heels all time. Whoever y pick in that XI, y are unbelievable players," he said.

Josh Hazlewood on how Australia will handle Rishabh Pant

Besides Pujara, Rishabh Pant was anor player who stood out in previous series. His unbeaten 89 in fourth and final Test in Brisbane will go down as one of greatest knocks by an Indian.

Hazlewood feels it is important to have a flexible approach against explosive batters like Pant.

"Against such batters, you need Plan B and C if things go south. It is important to have different plans. We also have players like Travis He and Mitch Marsh who can take game away," said pacer.

Shubman Gill has been ruled out of game due to a thumb injury, forcing India to field a new number three. "Obviously that unsettles top 6, a little bit of an issue but as I said, depth in Indian cricket is unmatched, perhaps team with best depth in world. Whoever comes in has earned ir stripes and will do well no doubt," he said.

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Hazlewood reckons Indian team will also miss Mohammed Shami, who recently returned to competitive cricket after a long injury lay-off.

Shami, however, could be available for second half of five-match series.

"y will miss him (Shami). He has played around 60 Tests. He is a senior bowler. Of course, he is someone all youngsters look up to but Jasprit Bumrah has taken that role over years," Hazlewood said.

"Bumrah is also captain in first Test, maybe and he is someone who players look up to and is leer of attack," he said.

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series has an ditional Test compared to four games on previous tour. Going forward, five-Test series between India and Australia will be a permanent feature.

"It is a five-Test series, an ded factor. It is going to be more gruelling. If you win a series against India in any part of world, you know you have earned it. So yeah, it is right up re," Hazlewood ded. 

(With PTI inputs)