Srinagar: Australia captain Pat Cummins has warned India battera of another barrage of shortpitched deliveries in the Third Test at Gabba.
Australian quicks, particularly Cummins, tormented the India batters with short pitched balls in both the innings during the Pink Ball Test that Australia eventually won by 10 wickets to level the five-match series 1-1.
“Yeah, potentially. It worked out in the Adelaide Test. It’s always in the back of your mind as a bit of a plan B,” Cummins told the media in his pre-match press meet.
“If it’s something really uncomfortable, you’re likely to take a look at it and come to a plan A. It worked in Adelaide, so I’m sure we’ll give it a shot at some point ,” he added.
Cummins praised his batters the way they faced Jasprit Bumrah after succumbing to the Indian pacer in the first Test at Perth.
“Yeah, that’s right. The professional players that we are, obviously, we’ll be ready for it. The guys always relish who they come up against, whatever the conditions are,” he said.
“Look, going to India and seeing a spinning wicket…for someone like Smithy , he loves that challenge where it is really difficult to bat on. Those conversations, they’re always up for it and exciting for the next round,” he noted.
Cummins backed senior batter Steve Smith and said, “He’s looking fantastic in the nets. Just looking really sharp, looking like he’s got plenty of time, doing all the right things like he always does”.
“So, I am sure he’ll get scores, just around the corner. Obviously, a big leader around the group, and he’s been awesome. So, really hoping he gets a good result,” he said.
“Trav and Mitch are natural shot-makers and it’s the way they go about it. For a few of the other guys, they perhaps see it a little bit differently,” he explained.
“Particularly here at the Gabba, it can change from day one to day two and three. So everyone’s got their own method. I think the most important thing is you play to your strengths. Trav did that last week,” he said.