Former Australian cricketers Aaron Finch, Ryan Harris, and Lisa Sthalekar have sharply criticized Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar for his remarks suggesting potential discord in the Australian camp following Josh Hazlewood’s media comments and subsequent injury. Gavaskar had raised eyebrows with his claims about a “mystery” surrounding Hazlewood’s exclusion from the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide, which triggered reactions from the Australian cricket fraternity.
Gavaskar’s Comments Stir Controversy
Gavaskar, in his column for Sportstar, questioned the timing of Hazlewood’s side strain, labeling it a “mystery” and comparing the situation to past instances of internal conflicts in Indian cricket. His remarks followed Hazlewood’s statement after the Perth Test, where the pacer emphasized that the team’s batters, rather than the bowlers, needed to take responsibility for their loss. Hazlewood’s comments, combined with his sudden injury, sparked speculation about divisions within the Australian squad.
“The panic in the Australian ranks is palpable, with former players calling for heads to roll and hints of cracks within the team. Hazlewood’s absence with a supposed side strain just adds to the intrigue,” Gavaskar wrote.
Aaron Finch: ‘Gavaskar is Throwing Haymakers’
Reacting to Gavaskar’s comments, former Australian captain Aaron Finch accused him of going overboard. “Sunny didn’t mention anything like this during the first Test when we spent time together,” Finch said during an ESPNCricinfo discussion. “But now that India is ahead in the series, he’s decided to go all out. It’s funny, but it’s also unexpected.”
Lisa Sthalekar: ‘Gavaskar is Being Cheeky’
Former Australia women’s cricketer Lisa Sthalekar took a more measured stance, calling Gavaskar’s comments “cheeky.” She attributed his remarks to his penchant for stirring the pot, adding, “We’ve all worked with him, and he has a way of making sly, provocative statements.”
Ryan Harris: ‘Absolute Garbage’
Ex-Australian fast bowler Ryan Harris was more scathing, dismissing Gavaskar’s claims outright. “There are no factions in the Australian camp—this is absolute garbage,” Harris told The Indian Express. He clarified that Hazlewood’s comments were taken out of context and that injuries are not linked to media statements in Australia.
“There’s no politics in our cricket team. What Hazlewood said wasn’t wrong, and nobody gets sidelined for speaking their mind here,” Harris said. He also acknowledged India’s dominance in recent years, stating, “India has won the last few series here. They’re a fantastic team, and we were outplayed. It’s just one Test, and we need to regroup.”
Australia’s Media and Public Reaction
Harris criticized the Australian media for amplifying the issue, noting that the loss in Perth had led to exaggerated narratives. “The Australian media jumped on this story because we didn’t play well in the first Test. That’s how it works here,” he explained.
Conclusion: A War of Words Amid a Fierce Rivalry
As India and Australia prepare for the second Test, Gavaskar’s comments have added an extra layer of tension to an already heated contest. While Australian cricketers have dismissed his claims as baseless, the speculation highlights the high stakes and intense scrutiny surrounding the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
