Hazlewood Relieved to Avoid Pujara in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has expressed his relief at not having to bowl to veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Pujara has been a thorn in Australia's side in recent years, amassing 792 runs at an average of 56.57 in his last two Test series Down Under.

"I'm pretty happy that Puj isn't here (smiles)," Hazlewood said to reporters ahead of the opening Test in Perth. "He's obviously one that bats time, makes you really earn his wicket every time, has done really well in Australia on all these tours."

Pujara's absence is a significant boost for Australia, who have struggled to dismiss him in the past. In the 2018-19 series, he scored three centuries and averaged 74.42, while in the 2020-21 tour, he scored 271 runs with three half-centuries.

Hazlewood also acknowledged the depth of India's batting lineup, despite Pujara's absence. "There's always young, fresh guys coming into the Indian team that they're under so much pressure to perform in the Indian team with with so many guys nipping at their heels all the time," he said. "Whoever they pick in that XI, they're unbelievable players. It doesn't really matter who they pick, they're all great players."

Another challenge for India going into the first Test is the absence of Shubman Gill, who fractured his left thumb during a match simulation over the weekend. Gill is ruled out of the first Test, and his availability for the rest of the series is uncertain.

"Anytime you disrupt the top-six it's a bit of an issue," Hazlewood said. "But as I said the amount of talent in the Indian squad is quite unbelievable, the depth is phenomenal, better than any other country in the world. So whoever comes in has earned their stripes and no doubt will do well."

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