AUS v IND 2018-19: Josh Hazlewood says vice-captaincy wouldn't affect his bowling

Josh Hazlewood said Australia will give a strong fight to India.

Josh Hazlewood said Tim Paine-led Australia ready to play India in Tests at home | Getty Images

Australian Test vice-captain Josh Hazlewood has insisted on Wednesday (November 21) that the vice-captaincy can never affect his game, saying he is only there to “provide a different perspective”.

Hazlewood, who has often been compared to Australian great Glenn McGrath for his bowling acumen, is leading the pace attack along with Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins and is a vital cog of Aussie pace arsenal in Test cricket and burden of vice-captaincy could affect his bowling but he denied the talks.

The paceman told Sportstar, “I was honored to be named as a vice-captain. That said, the team is not difficult to lead as all players are taking a sense of ownership and responsibility. I don't feel vice-captaincy would affect my bowling. My job includes helping the captain with the bowler's perspective. I don’t think that will impact my ability to concentrate on my game.”

Australian cricket has been going through a lean patch both off and on-field since the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, but Hazlewood insists the team morale is good and just focusing on their game.

Meanwhile, the Vice-captain also said Australians are optimistic about their chances in the crucial home series against India, saying the hosts will strong cricket against Virat Kohli and his team.

The pacer further added, “We are excited about the series and will give it our all. There has been a lot of off-field dramas but the team is staying focused on developing a game plan we feel comfortable with. Morale is good and we are looking forward to coming together in preparation for the first Test. We will play good, strong cricket.”

There has been plenty of talk about young Indian batting sensation Prithvi Shaw, who will be touring Australia for the first time, and he is looking forward to playing Mumbai teenager in the Test series.

Hazlewood signed off by saying, “I haven’t seen much of him but I am aware that he (Shaw) is a child prodigy. I look forward to playing him.”

(With Sportstar Inputs)

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 22 Nov, 2018

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