Pat Cummins Acknowledges Challenges Against India, Says 'Really A Good Side, No Matter Who They Put Out'
Published - 21 Sep 2023, 06:56 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:19 AM
Australian skipper Pat Cummins expressed his desire to perform well and secure victory in the upcoming three-match ODI series against India. Pat Cummins acknowledged that the Indian team is a strong side in their home conditions, despite the absence of senior players.
The Indian selectors rested senior players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Kuldeep Yadav for the first two games of the series. The hosts are expected to field their best possible playing XI in the final match in preparation for the ODI World Cup 2023.
The Big Stuff Starts In A Couple Of Weeks – Pat Cummins
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the first ODI against India, Pat Cummins emphasized that the more significant challenges lie ahead in the coming weeks, including the upcoming World Cup.
“India is really a good side, no matter who they put out, and it is obviously in their home condition. Ideally, we would like to play really well and win, but obviously, the big stuff starts in a couple of weeks,” Cummins told reporters.
India will host the three-match series against Australia, with the first ODI set to be played in Mohali on Friday, September 22. The series will be the last opportunity for the teams to finalize their best combination ahead of the ODI World Cup, which is set to begin on October 5.
Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell Ruled Out Of First ODI
The Pat Cummins-led team was plagued by injuries ahead of the ODI series against India. Travis Head was ruled out of the series, and his participation in the World Cup remains doubtful. Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell have also been ruled out of the first ODI match.
Pat Cummins and Steve Smith have returned to the squad after recovering from their respective injuries. Cummins and Smith are set to be available for the selection of the series. The Australian team will be hoping for the recovery of Starc and Maxwell before the second match.
