Hazlewood’s Comments Spark Questions About Australian Team Unity After Perth Test Loss

The fallout from Australia’s 295-run defeat to India in the first Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium has taken an unexpected turn, with pacer Josh Hazlewood’s remarks raising concerns about potential divisions within the Australian dressing room. Former cricketers Ravi Shastri and Michael Vaughan have questioned the team’s unity following Hazlewood’s apparent criticism of the batters after the historic loss.

Speaking to the media after the defeat, Hazlewood appeared to deflect responsibility, stating, “You probably have to ask one of the batters that question. I am sort of relaxing and trying to get a bit of treatment and I am looking mostly to the next Test.”

His comments, made while the Test was still ongoing, were seen by some as a sign of discontent within the camp.

David Warner, now part of the commentary panel, criticized Hazlewood’s remarks as “unwarranted.” Warner said, “As a senior player, you have a duty of care to support your teammates. Those comments probably were not warranted, especially when the batters are under pressure.”

Michael Vaughan also expressed surprise at Hazlewood’s remarks, calling them unprecedented. “I’ve never heard an Australian publicly divide the team into batters and bowlers. To say you’re thinking about the next game before this one is finished is unusual for an Australian player. It signals potential cracks in team spirit.”

Ravi Shastri agreed, noting how such comments could play into India’s hands. “The Indian dressing room will sense mental cracks in the Australian camp. For the first time, this Indian team might feel they are better than the opposition in their own backyard.”

Australia’s defeat in Perth was their first-ever Test loss at the venue, and India’s dominance was evident across all departments. After winning the toss, India managed only 150 runs in their first innings, with vital contributions from Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) and Rishabh Pant (37). However, Australia’s response was even more lackluster, bowled out for 104 runs, with Jasprit Bumrah claiming 5/30 and debutant Harshit Rana impressing with 3/48.

India capitalized in the second innings, posting a mammoth 487/6 declared. KL Rahul (77) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (161) laid the foundation with a 201-run opening partnership, while Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 100 and late contributions from Washington Sundar (29) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (38*) added to Australia’s misery.

Set a daunting target of 534, Australia faltered early and ended Day 3 at 12/3. Despite fighting knocks from Travis Head (89) and Mitchell Marsh (47), the hosts were bowled out for 238. Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj took three wickets each, sealing India’s emphatic victory.