'A wake-up call for India: Hayden goes unfiltered on Rohit and co's 0-3 loss to NZ ahead of Australia Tests'

Matthew Hayden, the former Australia opener, emphasized the importance of India's loss to New Zealand as a wake-up call before their upcoming series against Australia. India suffered a 0-3 home series defeat to the Kiwis, marking their first home Test series loss in over a decade. Hayden described the defeat as a necessary 'kick' for India to regroup and come back stronger.

“It’s probably the kick up the a*se that India need,” Hayden said.

“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,” Hayden said further, as quoted by Sydney Morning Herald.

India's batting order was all over the place throughout the series against New Zealand, with batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failing to make a mark. Barring Rishabh Pant, the star wicketkeeper-batter, none of India's batters managed to impress, and the side would aim at improving on it when it faces Australia in Perth.

Team India is currently taking part in a three-day intra-squad match against India A, with first-team stars like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant, among others, batting on the first day. There remains speculation over Rohit's availability for the first Test, with the Indian captain being blessed with a baby boy earlier this week.

Among bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, and Ravichandran Ashwin were among the notable names who played during the second day of the simulation match. Sunday marks the final day of the practice game before the main squad moves to Optus Stadium in Perth, where it kickstarts training on Tuesday.