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What damage will “humiliating” series sweep to Blackcaps do to India ahead of Aussie tour?
Lachlan Geleit, SEN • November 4th, 2024 1:33 pm
India’s preparation for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia couldn’t have gone worse after losing 0-3 in their three-match Test series against New Zealand at home.
The Blackcaps completed the historic sweep on Sunday, winning by 25 runs in Mumbai as the home side failed to chase just 147 for victory in the third Test, being bowled out for 121.
SEN’s Gerard Whateley was a keen observer of the series and he pondered what kind of effect the heavy loss will have on the world’s No.2 Test team before they travel down under to face the No.1 ranked Aussies in a five-match series which begins this month.
“As for the actual India Test team, losing the home series to New Zealand was chastening, getting swept was humiliating,” Whateley said on SEN Mornings.
“I wonder what that does to the psyche of a team about to embark on a five-Test series in Australia.
“A month ago I would’ve told you this Indian was settled, stocked and superior as they seek a fifth series victory over Australia. Now I wonder if they might self-immolate.
“It was stunning to watch late yesterday as India failed to run down a target of 147. They were routed for 121 in 29.1 overs.
“The batting has been horrible. You just wonder about the damage this might do.”
While India have won the last two Border-Gavaskar series down under, Whateley thinks that the 2024/25 summer could prove incredibly volatile for the visitors, especially if they don’t get off to a good start in the first couple of Tests in Perth and Adelaide respectively.
“This suddenly shapes as a summer that could prove incredibly volatile,” Whateley said.
“If Australia put the pressure on early, what might transpire? It’s the sort of backdrop for sackings and sudden departures.
“It’s only the 10th time in Test history dating back to 1896 that a touring team has swept the hosts away from home.
“What a backdrop to what awaits in a couple of weeks' time.”
The first of the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins on November 22 at Perth’s Optus Stadium.
