Australian captain Pat Cummins expects a few verbal spats during the four-Test series against India, which begins on February 9 in Nagpur. However, the pacer hopes that the tourists will be able to keep their composure and get through it all.
The last three Test series between Australia and India have produced very intense contests. Clashes on the ground and verbal clashes have reached new heights in the battle between the two sides. Talks from both sides have also dominated the pre-series build-up, which is likely to fuel even more fire when the series begins.
Speaking to cricket.com.au, Cummins believes there should be plenty of spice, with two of the best teams of the era going head-to-head. The right-arm speedster also stated that their focus is more on their own approach.
“I’m sure there will be some heated moments on the pitch. They are two passionate teams playing against each other. But I hope, as we showed in the last minute, that we can get through it. If there is a bit of spice and someone gets pumped , maybe it’s for that purpose, to enter the competition at that moment.”
He added:
“We’re really big on just concentrating on our own approach to the game. You hear someone like Smithy talk about staying in his own bubble when he’s hitting. I think everybody has a little bit of that.”
Cummins and Co. they are undoubtedly under pressure as they begin their quest to win their first Test series on Indian soil since 2004. Australia have also won just one Test in India in their last four attempts, with the win coming in Pune in the 2016-17 leg.
“That’s part of the challenge of playing away from home” – Pat Cummins on playing in India
Talking about the conditions in India, the New South Wales fast bowler admitted that they see it as a challenge. He feels that’s what makes playing away from home more special. As quoted by The Age, he said:
“Embracing the chaos. These series always bring different challenges on or off the field and embracing that is what makes these tours so special. That’s part of the challenge of playing away.”
He added:
“Home teams want to win at home. In Australia we’re lucky that we usually have pace and bounce. Home game advantage, I don’t think it’s a terrible thing. It’s another challenge and it makes the tour here even tougher when you know the conditions are tailored to them. “
The visitors also announced their playing XI, with Todd Murphy ruled out and middle-order batsman Peter Handscomb likely to feature.