IND vs AUS: Pat Cummins To Play All Three ODIs, Says ‘My Wrist Has Healed’

Australian skipper Pat Cummins is eager to make a triumphant return to the cricket field, announcing his intent to participate in all three ODIs against India. Having fully recovered from a left wrist injury that sidelined him, Cummins exudes confidence and declared himself “100 percent fit” during a pre-match press conference. He expressed optimism about his fitness, indicating his readiness to participate in the upcoming series.

However, Pat Cummins also revealed that his new ball partner, Mitchell Starc, would be absent for the series opener, citing the need to manage players with an eye on the ODI World Cup. This decision reflects Australia’s strategic approach to player rotation and preparation for the global tournament.

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On the brighter side, star batsman Steve Smith has successfully overcome a wrist niggle and is set to grace the pitch. Cummins confirmed Smith’s availability, emphasizing his excellent form during recent practice sessions.

Another player in the spotlight is Marnus Labuschagne, who impressed as a concussion substitute against South Africa. Cummins lauded Labuschagne’s performance, describing him as the team’s standout batter in South Africa. Cummins anticipates that Labuschagne will seize the opportunity to stake his claim for a spot in the final 15 for the ODI World Cup during the upcoming series against India.

Cummins hinted at a potential role for Adam Zampa in the death overs, highlighting Zampa’s ability to control the run rate and take crucial wickets when required. This flexibility in the bowling lineup is seen as a valuable asset for Australia.

Despite their ambition to win the series, Australia is mindful of not overexerting their players in the sweltering Indian conditions ahead of the World Cup. Cummins expressed a desire to experiment with different combinations and offer playing opportunities to various squad members to strike the right balance.

Cummins praised Mitchell Marsh’s leadership skills, noting his composure and effectiveness during the recent T20 series in South Africa. In the event of Cummins taking a break, Marsh is poised to step into the captain’s role, ensuring a seamless transition in leadership.

Regarding the conditions in India, Cummins acknowledged the October heat as the only significant change from earlier matches in March. He emphasized that Indian pitches tend to remain consistent throughout the year, providing valuable insights for the Australian team.

Pat Cummins also highlighted the significance of having all-rounders Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, and Cameron Green, who enhance Australia’s batting depth. This versatility enables the team to consider various bowling and batting combinations, instilling confidence in their prospects.

Lastly, Pat Cummins mentioned that Glenn Maxwell and Ashton Agar are currently on paternity leave but are expected to join the Australian squad later in the series. Their return will further bolster Australia’s lineup and add depth to both batting and bowling departments.