Australia’s Pat Cummins
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Australian skipper Pat Cummins is decided to “make amends” towards India within the upcoming five-match Take a look at sequence, as he goals to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the primary time in over a decade.
The 2 groups will face off in a five-match sequence beginning November 22 in Perth. India will come into the competition with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy firmly of their grasp, having held it for almost a decade and profitable two consecutive sequence in Australia.
“We have had a little bit of a break, so I’m excited for the five-match Take a look at sequence. Excited to get into it,” the 31-year-old stated to Star Sports activities.
“We haven’t had quite a lot of luck towards India over the previous couple of Take a look at sequence, however we all the time satisfaction ourselves on enjoying effectively right here in Australia,” he stated.
India had gained the final Border-Gavaskar sequence in Australia 2-1 in 2020-21. Rishabh Pant’s second-innings heroics of unbeaten 89 within the closing Take a look at noticed India chase down 328 to seal a historic three-wicket win on the Gabba.
It got here after enduring a humiliating collapse within the first Take a look at in Adelaide, the place they have been shot out for 36 — their lowest-ever Take a look at rating.
“The final two sequence have been a very long time in the past, so I believe we have gotten over it. However now we have actually excessive expectations once we play Take a look at cricket in Australia,” Cummins stated.
“I believe that is from the followers and the media as effectively. So anytime we do not win down right here, after all, you have a look at these sequence a bit extra carefully.
“The final sequence, specifically, was a very powerful one. It went proper all the way down to that final session on the Gabba, and sadly, we couldn’t pull it off. A number of the blokes within the staff are the identical as those that performed in that sequence, and we’re right here to make amends,” he added.
Cummins recognized Rishabh Pant as India’s “X-factor,” however careworn that his staff is targeted on rectifying the setbacks from 4 consecutive sequence defeats to India.
“Rishabh had an ideal sequence right here in Australia final time. He’s all the time a little bit of that X-factor within the center order,” he stated.
“You by no means fairly know what you are going to get, which is thrilling, even because the opposition. And he is all the time acquired one thing to say behind the stumps — he’s very humorous, makes me giggle.”
Requested how the Australian bowling lineup charges gifted kids like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, Cummins stated: “I’ve performed a little bit bit towards Shubman. Have not seen quite a lot of Jaiswal, only a bit within the IPL.
“However they each seem like younger guys who’ve scored a good few runs in numerous codecs. We’ll get down right here and have an excellent have a look at them. However yeah, we’re nonetheless a short time away from the sequence, so I am unable to say I’ve been planning too carefully for them but.”
Cummins additionally rued about lacking key all-rounder Cameron Inexperienced who has been dominated out for six months after selecting to bear surgical procedure for a stress fracture in his decrease again.
“He’s a giant loss for us. Not just for his batting, however he’s in all probability one of the best gully fielder I’ve ever seen, and an ideal bowler we’d like as effectively, so we’re actually going to overlook him,” he stated.
Australia will face Pakistan in a white-ball sequence earlier than the much-anticipated Take a look at sequence towards India.
It will likely be the primary Take a look at sequence between India and Australia comprising 5 matches since 1992.
Printed – October 22, 2024 02:35 pm IST
