Cummins, who had been sidelined due to a left wrist fracture, confidently confirmed his physical readiness during a pre-match press conference held ahead of the opening ODI.However, he revealed that his new ball partner, Mitchell Starc, would be unavailable for the series opener.
Cummins sees these ODIs as an opportunity to assess and refine Australia’s squad in preparation for the imminent ODI World Cup.Cummins spoke with assurance, stating, “We have plenty of people at different stages. I am feeling pretty good. My wrist is all healed now. I am 100 per cent (fit). I will run around tomorrow and hope to play all three games.”
Regarding Starc’s absence, Cummins added, “In terms of the long list, (Mitchell) Starcy isn’t available. We will give plenty of game time to everyone but also keep an eye on the World Cup.”
The news of
Steve Smith‘s return is a relief to fans and the team alike. Smith, who had been nursing a wrist niggle, is now ready to contribute to the upcoming match. Cummins confirmed, “He (Smith) is all good and he will play tomorrow. He has got a few good hits and he looks hundred percent.”
Cummins had high praise for Marnus Labuschagne, who recently stepped in as a concussion substitute during the South Africa tour. He remarked, “Marnus (Labuschagne) is always ringing in my head, 24 hours… He was fantastic. He was our best batter in South Africa. Not only batting-wise, his intent was excellent there in South Africa. I am sure he will get his chance in three games and push for his spot.”
Cummins provided insights into the team’s strategy, hinting that spinner Adam Zampa might take on a crucial role in the death overs against India. He emphasised the importance of bowlers being versatile and ready to contribute across different phases of the game. Cummins noted, “Particularly, if you pick four frontline bowlers, they have to be ready to bowl in all phases… So I won’t be surprised if we keep his 2, 3, or 4 overs up our sleeves.”
Australia’s objectives for the series involve striking a balance between securing victories and managing player fatigue, especially in the hot conditions leading up to the World Cup. Cummins commended Mitchell Marsh’s captaincy during the T20 series in South Africa, expressing, “He (Marsh) was great. Excellent… Hopefully, I will play every game, and if I am not, then he will be there to step right in.”
Cummins acknowledged that Indian pitches remain relatively consistent throughout the year, with the primary distinction being the increased heat in October. He expressed confidence that the team’s familiarity with Indian conditions would be an advantage, saying, “We have pretty good information about the conditions.”
Australia’s squad boasts a depth of all-rounders, including Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, and Cameron Green, providing flexibility in team selection and reinforcing the batting order. Cummins noted, “More all-rounders you have, you can bolster your batting. It gives us the option to pick four genuine bowlers or three bowlers and a batting all-rounder at No. 8. Hope Maxi (Glenn Maxwell) comes back later in the series, but the other 3 guys (Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, and Mitchell Marsh) are bowling fantastic. So feeling confident.”
(With inputs from PTI)