“Imagining cracks”: Sundaresan insists there's no rift in the Australian Test squad

SEN cricket expert Bharat Sundaresan is certain there are no cracks in the Australian cricket squad despite persistent rumours following the first Test loss to India.

The Aussies suffered a heavy 295-run defeat to India, leading to reports of a fractured dressing room, fuelled by comments made by Josh Hazlewood after the Perth Test.

When asked about the team's plan for Day 4, Hazlewood seemingly took aim at Australia's batsmen, saying "you probably have to ask one of the batters that question".

Speaking on SEN 1170 Mornings, Sundaresan says the commenters are unnecessarily looking for reasons for why Australia lost.

“Those comments were spun completely the way way people wanted to spin it,” Sundaresan said.

“Could Josh Hazlewood have said something differently? Maybe, but he’s a fast bowler at the end of a hot day, I’m sure he’s not thinking about coming up with the brightest of answers.

“I wouldn’t read too much into it. People probably around Australia want them to react more fiercely and want them to look more dejected, and when that doesn’t happen you start imagining cracks.”

Having followed the team for many years, Sundaresan said the team has consistently looked unified in recent years, even when results go against them.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have covered this team up close for the last six or seven years… and it’s generally away that these cracks that people talk about tend to show up,” Sundaresan said.

“Last year, even when we were in India and down 2-0, there was none of that, nor during the Ashes last year… or during the world cup after they were two and zip and could be knocked out early.

“One thing I've learned about this team is they have their priorities right about where cricket lies and they are very balanced in the way they celebrate success and failure.”

The second test begins on December 6 at Adelaide Oval.