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Former Australia's star pacer Ryan Harris has taken an aim at legendary Sunil Gavaskar for fueling speculation about Josh Hazlewood's injury which sparked rift rumours within Australian camp. Gavaskar hinted at potential internal tensions within the Australian team, suggesting that Hazlewood's side strain might be linked to his public comments about the team's batting approach.
Hazlewood had earlier questioned the Australia's aggressive chase in the Perth Test. Gavaskar, in his column for Sportstar, expressed that he is loving the apparent tension within the Australian camp, citing Hazlewood's injury as evidence. Harris, however, dismissed these speculations, asserting that such internal conflicts are uncommon in the Australian team.
"The panic in the Australian ranks is palpable, with former players calling for heads to be chopped off and some even hinting at cracks in the Australian team after Josh Hazlewood’s media interview at the end of the third day’s play, where he suggested that it was up to the batters to now do something," Gavaskar had earlier said.
"Now, a few days later, Hazlewood is out of the second Test and possibly the series too with a supposed side strain. Strange, that, since nobody had noticed anything wrong with Hazlewood at that media conference. Mystery, mystery — the like of which used to be common in Indian cricket in the past," he had added.
Ryan Harris blasts Sunil Gavaskar for sparking rift rumours within Australian team
Meanwhile, Ryan Harris responded to Gavaskar's claims, arguing that Hazlewood's comments were not overly controversial and did not justify his exclusion from the team. He further suggested that while internal conflicts might be common in Indian cricket, such situations are rare within the Australian team.
“Look, there are no, factions. That’s just all garbage. I’ve even heard Mr Gavaskar coming out and saying there’s some faction. It’s all rubbish. That doesn’t happen in Australia. I know it happens in India. I’ve lived there," Harris told the Indian Express.
"There’s no politics and no, you don’t miss a game (On Hazlewood) for saying what he said. I’ve spoken to a couple of the boys here at and everyone’s smart. They just know our media and how they work. The Australian media have jumped on it, because we went so bad in Perth. But you’re allowed to be outplayed," Harris further added.
Australian players like Alex Carey and Nathan Lyon have expressed surprise at the overreaction to Australia's loss in Perth. They believe the reactions from fans and pundits were somewhat exaggerated. On the other hand, Gavaskar, known for his outspoken nature, has often criticized opposition teams and foreign pundits for their comments about India and Indian conditions.
“Actually, you know, what Australian media and people have got to realize is that India have won here the last couple of times and they’re a very good team. I mean, it’s only one test. I mean, I have all the respect for Gavaskar, he’s a legend of the game. He is just throwing a little grenade over here and the media have just got hold of him and are having a feast," Harris signed off.
India had a decent start to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-2025 with an emphatic 295-run win over Australia in the series opener in Perth. Australia will be desperate to give it back to India when they meet again in the second Test in Adelaide which is set to start from December 6.
