Australia captain Pat Cummins expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance in the rain-affected third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, despite the match ending in a draw. While India’s strong fightback might suggest a shift in momentum, Cummins downplayed the idea and focused on the positives for Australia. He also hailed Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin as one of the greatest players in cricket history following his sudden retirement announcement.
No Concerns About Momentum
Speaking after the match, Cummins dismissed concerns about India gaining momentum after the draw. He said, “I can’t say I’ve ever been scared of momentum—I don’t really care about that. I think we can take a lot from this week.”
Reflecting on the team’s performance, he highlighted Australia’s control throughout the match:
“A couple of great partnerships, scoring 450 after being sent in on a tough wicket, and bowling India out for 250 when the conditions were better. There’s a lot to take forward,” Cummins added.
Ashwin: A Legend of the Game
The highlight of the match was Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to retire from international cricket, which came as a surprise to many, including Cummins. The Australian skipper lauded Ashwin’s illustrious career, saying, “He’s been a fantastic player all over the world. There aren’t many finger spinners with that kind of longevity. He’ll go down as one of the all-time greats.”
Cummins also acknowledged Ashwin’s competitiveness over the years:
“We’ve had a lot of battles with him, both here and in India. There’s massive respect from our dressing room for the career he’s had.”
Frustrations with Rain Interruptions
Cummins admitted that the Brisbane Test was one of the most frustrating games he had experienced due to frequent rain delays.
“It’s right up there. I can’t remember a match where we were on and off the field so many times over five days. Especially here in Brisbane, where the rain usually clears quickly,” he said.
Despite dominating much of the game, Cummins rued the missed opportunity for a result:
“We felt ahead of the game for most of it, but it just wasn’t to be,” he added.
Hazlewood Ruled Out, Head Cleared to Play
In team news, Cummins confirmed that pacer Josh Hazlewood will miss the remainder of the series due to injury, calling it a significant blow. “Joshy won’t be part of the series, which is a real shame. He’s one of the most disciplined and professional players I’ve ever seen,” Cummins said.
On Travis Head’s fitness, Cummins reassured fans: “He’ll be fine. It’s just a tight quad, and he’ll be ready for Melbourne.”
Backing for McSweeney and Challenges for the Top Order
Cummins also voiced support for rookie Nathan McSweeney, who has had a challenging start to his career. He commended McSweeney’s selfless approach, stating, “He hasn’t scored the runs he would’ve liked, but he’s played some crucial knocks. His attitude and commitment have been impressive.”
Cummins acknowledged the struggles of top-order batters in current cricketing conditions, saying, “The top three is a tough place to bat, especially on Australian pitches. It’s a trend we’re seeing globally.”
Looking Ahead
With the series level at 1-1, Cummins remains optimistic about Australia’s chances in the remaining two Tests. He emphasized the team’s strong performances so far and their focus on finishing the series on a high note.
