Australia will choose bowlers who can take 20 wickets, 2 spinners not a given for Nagpur Test: Pat Cummins

Australia tour of India: Speaking to reporters from their coaching camp close to Bengaluru, Australia captain Pat Cummins mentioned they’re but to determine on their bowling mixture for the primary of the much-anticipated 4-Test sequence, beginning February 9 in Nagpur.

Australia captain Pat Cummins and head coach Andrew McDonald addressed a press convention in Bengaluru on Saturday (PTI Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: Australia captain Pat Cummins mentioned the guests are conserving their choices open when it comes to their bowling mixture for the primary of the four-Test sequence towards India which will get underway from February 9 in Nagpur. Australia have a few choice complications to maintain as Mitchell Starc is dominated out of the primary Test whereas Cameron Green is racing towards time after having suffered a damaged finger towards South Africa within the Boxing Day Test final yr.

Speaking to reporters of their coaching camp in Alur close to Bengaluru, Pat Cummins mentioned it isn’t a provided that the guests will play 2 spinners and a name will solely be taken after assessing the pitch on the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. Australia have opted for a 4-day coaching camp on the KSCA Stadium in Alur as an alternative of a tour match. Australia are but to see the circumstances in Nagpur however the vacationers are coaching on a scruffed-up pitch close to Bengaluru and native web bowlers, together with an R Ashwin impersonator, have been referred to as as much as bowl on the Australian batters.

The damage to Mitchell Starc and doubts over the supply of Cameron Green’s bowling is a priority however Australia have arrived in India with loads of choices. Apart from Nathan Lyon, Australia have picked 3 extra spinners in leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson, left-arm spinner Ashton Agar and off-spinner Todd Murphy.

Cummins mentioned it is vital to not overlook what Australia pacers have been in a position to obtain, whatever the circumstances up to now when fascinated by the staff mixture and their focus might be on choosing a XI that can assist them take 20 wickets.

In the Sydney Test, the likes of Mitchell Starc, Cummins and Scott Boland delivered on a spin-friendly pitch towards South Africa whereas the skipper was the main wicket-taker for Australia after they toured Pakistan for a 3-Test sequence final yr, choosing up 12 wickets throughout three matches.

“I wouldn’t say it is a given, it’s very conditions dependent so particularly this first Test, once we get to Nagpur we’ll see,” Cummins spoke of Australia’s probabilities of taking part in two spinners.

“I think sometimes talking about a couple of spinners you forget how good a lot of our fast bowlers have been in all conditions. Even some of the SCG wickets, there hasn’t been a lot in them for quick bowlers but the quick bowlers have found a way.

“We’ve acquired loads of bowling choices right here – fingerspin, wristspin, left-arm, Starcy when he comes again – so we’ll clearly choose the bowlers we predict can take 20 wickets, how we’re going to break up that up we aren’t 100% certain but,” he added.

TWO OFF-SPINNERS?

Australia also have a part-time off-spinner Travis Head, who has bowled for the team in the Test series against South Africa and the West Indies recently. Cummins backed the aggressive middle-order batter to be available to chip in with the ball, if needed.

Australia have the option of getting a couple of overs from part-time leg-spinners Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.

“It’s an opportunity. That’s one thing we’ll should stability up if we need to go together with two spinners,” he said.

“Do we would like variation or simply two offspinners? So there is no motive why we won’t go that approach. Travis Head is within the facet as properly and bowls actually good offspin. We’ve acquired loads of selection to select from.”

Australia Squad for India Tests

Pat Cummins (capt), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.

Published On:

Feb 4, 2023