Australia’s captain Pat Cummins hits a six during play on day five of the third cricket test between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia, Wednesday (December 18, 2024).
| Photo Credit: AP
A gripping but weather-beaten Test that wound to a draw was nearly relegated to the background once R. Ashwin announced his retirement. Just as stunned cricket writers grappled with their thoughts, Pat Cummins strode into the press conference hall at the Gabba in Brisbane on Wednesday (December 18, 2024) evening.
Pat Cummins admitted to being surprised while reacting to R. Ashwin’s retirement from international cricket. “Yeah, it was a bit of a surprise (Ashwin’s retirement). He is one of the greats of the game. We have had some battles, be it here and in India. From our change-rooms, we have massive respect for what he has achieved,” he said.
With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series still very much in the balance at 1-1 after the conclusion of the third Test, the Australian captain stressed that his team has a lot to feel good about this game: “The runs and partnership in the first innings, to score 445, to bowl out India for 260, they were all good signs. I don’t think I have ever played a game with so many (rain) breaks and yeah it was frustrating.”
Cummins was also quick to stress that not much should be read into the way Australia batted (89 for seven) in its second outing. “Well, I would dismiss that. It was all part of a plan and I was happy to see the way the batters stepped out,” he said. “We get a bit of a break now and then we will get to Melbourne.”
When queried about Josh Hazlewood’s recurring injuries, Cummins said, “It is a bit of a shame and Josh will miss the rest of the series. I am sure Mitch (Marsh) will get a crack as the fourth seamer in the next few games.”
Published – December 18, 2024 01:24 pm IST
