Pat Cummins has advocated for a rise in the number of fast-bowling captains in international cricket
The opening match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will offer a rare opportunity for both teams to be led by their pace spearheads, with Jasprit Bumrah set to captain India for just the second time in Tests.
Pat Cummins, his Australian counterpart, expressed excitement about seeing how Bumrah handles the added responsibility as the teams prepare for the much-anticipated first of the five Tests in Perth on Friday (November 22).
“It’s great to see, and it should happen more,” Cummins said.
“The New Zealand series last year was good with Timmy Southee as captain as well.
I don’t think it changes too much, but it’s a rare occurrence.
I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes about his work out there, hopefully from the changeroom.
As a fan of fast bowling, it’s always good to see.”
While star spinner R. Ashwin will make his debut Test appearance in Perth, India will be without their regular captain, Rohit Sharma, who is back home after the birth of his second child.
However, Cummins pointed out that Australia’s experience in the IPL has given them a good understanding of the depth within India’s squad.
“You always plan for the whole squad.
India, in particular, has a lot of depth.
Most of us have played in the IPL and seen how many newcomers come in and step up immediately.
They’re missing a couple of familiar players, but we know whoever they pick will be good enough for Test cricket.
We’ve done our prep,” Cummins explained.
Having led Sunrisers Hyderabad to the IPL 2024 final, Cummins spent two months sharing a dressing room with one of India’s potential debutants at Perth — pace-bowling allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.
“Reddy is a great young kid,” said Cummins.
“I loved playing alongside Nitish for Sunrisers.
He’s a great guy starting out his professional career.
I was really impressed with how he went about his work last year.
He didn’t bowl as much as he potentially could have, but what we saw was really promising.
He looks like he can swing the ball a bit.”
Australia currently sits atop the World Test Championship standings, with eight wins in 12 matches and a PCT of 62.5%, while India, ranked second, enters the series following a 0-3 home loss to New Zealand.
Cummins reflected on the advantage of having a settled squad, noting that players are well aware of their roles.
“It’s weird; it’s basically been the same team for the last two or three years.
So, the lead-up is very normal and relaxed.
Everyone knows how to prepare.
The meetings, the training — it’s all seamless with the same group.
It’s about reaffirming what we do well, and one of our team’s strengths is not just consistency but how well everyone gets along and how much we enjoy playing together.”
A settled squad also means a core of experienced but aging players, but Cummins emphasized that the experience of his “older squad” will be invaluable in a high-stakes series like this one.
“If you’re early in your career, there’s pressure to assert yourself and earn your spot.
Once you’re in, there’s always pressure to hold onto it or take your game to the next level,” Cummins said.
“It’s a Test match, millions are watching — there’s always pressure.
We always talk about trying to get yourself to your best and stay there.
That’s what experience brings.”
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