India should learn from Hazlewood: Kohli

Virat Kohli has hailed Australia’s new metronome Josh Hazlewood as the poster boy for India’s misfiring pace attack.

Hazlewood made an immense impression in his maiden Test series, snaring a five-wicket haul on debut in Brisbane and smothering the tourists’ batsmen on day five in Sydney.

The 24-year-old conceded just one run from his first 45 deliveries at the SCG on Saturday, finishing his third Test with figures of 2-31 from 17 overs.

The Glenn McGrath comparisons won’t stop anytime soon, and for good reason.

“Certainly a lot to learn from the Australian bowlers. Especially someone like Josh Hazlewood,” Kohli said of his impotent pacemen.

“He put the ball in the right spots in all three matches. That’s something we need to learn, big time.”

Hazlewood was the epitome of disciplined line and length in Sydney, claiming the key scalp of Murali Vijay to give Australia a sniff of victory.

The 24-year-old produced similar spells at the Gabba and MCG, having been presented with his baggy green by McGrath when Peter Siddle was dropped and Ryan Harris injured.

“He has done a terrific job since he got picked … he has got the extra height and the extra bounce,” Australia skipper Steve Smith said.

“He gets that little bit of extra kiss from the wicket and the bounce which can catch the edge of the bat. He was terrific throughout the series.”

The Tamworth product looms as a key player in this year’s Ashes series in England.

“He has a lot in common with Glenn,” injured captain Michael Clarke said while calling the game for the Nine Network.

“Similar personalities, they’re both laid-back country boys .. similar strengths.

“If Josh turns out to be half the bowler Glenn McGrath was, he’ll be over the moon.”

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