As a member of great Australian teams, captain Pat Cummins has won almost every trophy in cricket. However, he hopes to check off the last box by defeating India in the Test series over the next two months.
Cummins and some of his teammates have only experienced loss in the previous four Test series against India, both at home and away, while enjoying a string of World Cup victories and Ashes victories in recent years.
On the last day of the first Test of the series, the fast bowler told media at Perth Stadium on Thursday, “I think for approximately half the change-room, we haven’t won the Border-Gavaskar (trophy).”
“For many of us, it’s kind of the last item on our to-do list. Over the last few years, we have risen to the occasion and performed well in nearly every task that has been presented to us.”
“It would kind of solidify this if we did it for another year, yet another summer. Instead of being a two- or three-season affair, it’s now a half-generation affair. “So we’re all excited (having) India sitting out there one of the best sides in the world,” the statement reads.
Compared to the injury-plagued team that defeated the Tim Paine-captained Australians 2-1 in the last trip in 2020–21, India will seem different in this five-Test series.
While usual captain Rohit Sharma takes time off to tend to his newborn child, pace leader Jasprit Bumrah will lead India in Perth.
A number of new players have joined the team, including left-handed batsman Devdutt Padikkal, who may be selected for his second Test after Shubman Gill suffered a thumb injury.
According to Cummins, Australia was not taking any of the new players lightly and had plans for the whole India team.
