Brad Hogg said India just haven't been good travellers and It won't help their reputation if they continue losing like this © Getty Images
By CricketCountry Staff
Perth: Jan 18, 2012
Former Australia spinner Brad Hogg stated he was pleased that Australia have regained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but lamented that haven't been good travellers and the visitor’s failed to show the fight they are capable of.
“I am very impressed with the way Australian cricket is going at the moment. India are second on the ICC Test rankings. And we've had some intriguing battles with them. It's been fantastic to regain the trophy,” Hogg was quoted saying by Mid DAY.
“The disappointing thing about India in England (last here) and here (in Australia) is that they have lacked confidence and haven't shown the fight they are capable of giving us.
“We were really wary of India before they came here. They've given us the toughest battles among all countries in the last decade or so.”
Hogg, who was involved in the Sydney Test against India in 2007-08, was disappointed by the controversy and the way it was handled, but felt that Indian Premier League (IPL) has helped in healing the wounds.
“I was pretty disappointed with the way the whole thing was handled. Now, players who were high up on that scene (Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds) are playing for Mumbai Indians, and are getting along nicely.
“I think that's the good thing about the IPL. Once you walk off that line, it's all over. You sit down, have a chat, and settle it there and then. The reason we play cricket is to compete against the best. Whether you win, lose or draw, we want to be involved in a good contest. I want to be in a tough contest.”
The 40-year-old felt that young players can only get better by being exposing to tough conditions.
“India’s poor performance might have something to do with preparation before coming to Australia. If I were in charge, I'd be making sure that my up-and-coming players are playing on sporting wickets all the time.
“We've also got the academy over here that allows players to sharpen their skills on true wickets. It's beneficial for cricket that young players are exposed to tough conditions.
“India need to provide local players the facilities. That's not being rude to India. They just haven't been good travellers. It won't help their reputation if they continue losing like this,” Hogg concluded.
