Australia

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden thinks that India's recent Test series loss at home against New Zealand gave them advantage of preparation. The comments come as India and Australia gear up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) which begins in less than a week's time.

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India lost the three-Test home series against New Zealand 0-3—their first-ever series whitewash at home. The loss raised questions about India's preparation for the BGT, but Hayden put them aside.

“It (series whitewash against New Zealand) is probably the kick up the a*se that India need,” said Hayden to Australian news outlet Sydney Morning Herald. 

Also Read: Glenn McGrath urges Australian bowlers to go hard at ‘emotional and down’ Virat Kohli

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“Even though India copped a drubbing in that series … and were lightweight in terms of their own performance … the fact that they’ve played long format cricket is an advantage from a preparation point of view,” he added.

It is to be noted that India haven't lost a Test series against Australia since 2014. The two sides have played four Test series since then, two in India and two in Australia, and India have managed to win all four of them.

India, however, have a lot to ponder ahead of the first Test, which begins in Perth on November 22, as they will be without regular skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.

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Rohit is away after the recent birth of his second child and will be available from the second Test while Gill was injured during practice and is not expected to play in Perth. In Rohit's absence, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side.

After Perth, India play the day-night second Test in Adelaide from December 6-10. The third Test will be played at the Gabba in Brisbane from December 14-18 before the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from December 26-30. The last and final Test will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 3-7.