NEW DELHI: Australian captain Pat Cummins and head coach Andrew McDonald have yet to make a final decision on the batting order for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India at home.
“It is up to me and Ron to set the order. I know there is always commentary around everything to do with cricket. You listen to some, you do not listen to others, but we are still a fair way out from the series, so still a bit of water to go under the bridge,” said Cummins while speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Cummins expressed confidence that Australia is in a better position this time to face India, recalling past disruptions such as the bans on Steve Smith and David Warner during the ‘Sandpaper Gate’ controversy (2018-19) and the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-21).
“A couple of home series I have played against India there’s always an element of attrition to them,” he said.
“The last series came down to the last session at the Gabba on the last day of the last Test match. That is a good thing to keep in mind; it is a long series, and it might be tightly held until the last game, so you’ve got to manage your resources throughout,” he concluded.
Australia’s top six in the batting lineup is a matter of concern as they approach the series, which kicks off with the first Test in Perth in November 2008. Steve Smith has taken over as the opener after David Warner’s retirement, yet his performance in this role has been less than stellar.
In four Test matches as an opener, the 35-year-old Smith has scored 171 runs at an average of 28.50, including a notable 91 against the West Indies.
Cameron Green, an all-rounder, was slotted in at number four and delivered a commendable 174 against New Zealand earlier this year. However, given his recent back injury and subsequent surgery, Smith may be heading back to the fourth spot in the lineup.
This opens the door for potential new players from Sheffield Shield like Marcus Harris, Matt Renshaw, and Cameron Bancroft. Additionally, Beau Webster from Tasmania has made his case with consistent performances in domestic cricket, presenting himself as a strong contender for the all-rounder position.
Australia will aim to win this series not only for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points but also to avoid a third consecutive home series loss to India after defeats in 2018-19 and 2020-21.
The second Test, scheduled from December 6 to 10 at Adelaide Oval, will be a day-night match played under the stadium’s lights. Following this, attention will shift to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test, which will run from December 14 to 18.
The iconic Boxing Day Test, set for December 26 to 30 at Melbourne’s Melbourne Cricket Ground, will bring the series near its end.
The fifth and final Test, to be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, promises an exciting conclusion to what is expected to be a thrilling contest.
