Pat Cummins emphasizes role of all-rounders in Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Australian cricket team captain, Pat Cummins, has emphasized the crucial role of all-rounders in the forthcoming 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. The five-match series is set to be a challenging one for Australia, who have been defeated twice on home soil by India in the past six years. Last season, Australia's pace bowlers were able to participate in all seven Test matches against Pakistan, West Indies and New Zealand. However, this may not be feasible during the India series.
All-rounders' contribution in keeping pacers fresh
Cummins highlighted the importance of all-rounders in maintaining the freshness of regular pacers. He noted that Cameron Green's inclusion following David Warner's retirement from Test cricket, provided an extra bowling option for Australia. However, Green's services were not extensively utilized as he bowled only 42 overs across four matches. Cummins anticipates a different scenario in the upcoming series against India, where they might rely more on Green and Mitchell Marsh.
Cummins praises Green and Marsh's dual capabilities
Cummins praised both Green and Marsh for their dual capabilities as batters and bowlers. He stated that their inclusion in the top six was based on their batting skills alone, but having two players who can bowl as well is a luxury. This provides Australia with six bowling options, which Cummins believes is a significant advantage for the team.
Cummins' fellow bowlers appreciate his leadership
Cummins' fellow bowlers have expressed their appreciation for his leadership, stating that having a bowling captain has helped manage their workloads. In response to this praise, Cummins humorously remarked that while they might not say it directly to him, he knows they understand and trust his decisions as he wouldn't ask them to do anything he wouldn't do himself.
Cummins's focus on fitness
Currently, Cummins is in a two-month stretch without bowling as he was not included in the limited-overs tour of the UK. He is concentrating on his fitness to prepare for another condensed period of Test cricket. Australia will be flying to Sri Lanka shortly after the India series concludes. Despite this rigorous schedule, Cummins expressed his eagerness to participate in the ODI series against Pakistan in early November and potentially one Sheffield Shield match for New South Wales.
