Australia captain Pat Cummins has warned India of another barrage of short-pitched deliveries in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Brisbane. After finding success with the strategy of targeting Indian batters with bouncers, the star fast bowler suggested Australia might continue the approach at the iconic Gabba.
Cummins faced criticism for an underwhelming performance in the series opener in Perth, where India secured a commanding 295-run victory. However, he rediscovered his rhythm through the use of bouncers, claiming a five-wicket haul in the second innings of the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. Cummins bent his back and targeted the Indian batters’ helmets, bowling them out for 175 in their second innings. After Mitchell Starc swung his way to six wickets in the first innings, Cummins rattled the Indian line-up with his pace and bounce.
“Yes, potentially,” Cummins said when asked if India could expect more bouncers in the third Test. The Australian captain was addressing the media at the Gabba on Friday — the eve of the Brisbane battle.
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“It worked out in the Adelaide Test. It’s always in the back of your mind as a bit of a Plan B, or if it’s looking really uncomfortable and likely to take wickets, maybe it comes with Plan A for some of the batters.
“It worked in Adelaide, so I’m sure we’ll give it a shot at some point this Test,” he added.
India’s lacklustre batting display in Adelaide helped Australia level the series at 1-1. While key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma succumbed to seam and swing, several batters fell victim to short-pitched deliveries.
CUMMINS ON GABBA PITCH
Cummins also commented on the nature of the Gabba pitch, noting that it might not be as lively as its reputation suggests. The Australian captain explained that recent sunny weather in Brisbane will have its effect on the way the pitch would behave in the coming days.
Gabba Test: Complete Guide
“I looked at it yesterday – it looked like a good wicket, like it has been the last few years,” Cummins said.
“A bit of sun baking it the last couple of days (means) I don’t think it’s as green and leafy as it was against South Africa,” he added.
Australia remained unbeaten at the Gabba for 33 years until India broke their streak in 2021. Earlier this year, Australia lost a pink-ball Test to the West Indies at the same venue. Interestingly, both defeats occurred in January, during the latter part of the Australian summer.
Reflecting on the phenomenon of pre-Christmas Tests at the Gabba, Cummins said: “it’s a bit more humid and hotter in January. Joshy Hazlewood always has some theories, saying Januarys are hotter and sweatier. Honestly, I can’t remember much.”
Australia confirmed one change in their XI for the Gabba Test, bringing back fit-again Josh Hazlewood in place of Scott Boland.
