"It’s all rubbish. That doesn’t happen in Australia" - Ryan Harris calls out Sunil Gavaskar over drama surrounding Josh Hazlewood's absence
Former Australia pacer Ryan Harris pointed out how Sunil Gavaskar fed fuel to the media fire by suggesting foul play regarding Josh Hazlewood's absence for the second Test against India in Adelaide. The legendary former Indian cricketer speculated a rift within the Australian setup after the pacer suffered a side strain, mere days after his seemingly controversial remarks to the media.
Hazlewood had triggered talks of unrest within the team by suggesting that the batters need to be questioned over the approach of chasing down the mammoth target in the series opener in Perth.
In his column for the Sportstar, Gavaskar wrote that he was loving the tension in the opposition dressing room, with Hazlewood's mysterious injury apparently being proof of the same.
"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 explained.
"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 added.
In reply, Ryan Harris asserted that Hazlewood's comments were not that controversial to begin with, and did not warrant an exclusion from the team. He opined that talks of rifts and factions might be a common sight in India, but not in Australia.
“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 added.
Wicketkeeper Alex Carey had mentioned that there was a shade of overreaction among fans and pundits regarding the team's performance and atmosphere after Australia's loss in Perth. Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon claimed during the pre-match press conference that the reactions of several people after the defeat were arguably humorous.
"He is just throwing a little grenade over here and the media have just got hold of him and are having a feast" - Ryan Harris on Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar has not been one to hold back with his words, whether it be during the broadcast or in the form of columns. He has often spoken against opposition, and foreign pundits, for their claims against India and the conditions at times.
“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 said.
India and Australia will square off in the second Test of the series, set to be played with the pink ball, from Friday, December 6 onwards.