Pat Cummins: ‘Keeping Bumrah Quiet Will Be Key to Winning the Series’

New Delhi, October 16, 2024: With the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy set to commence on November 22 in Perth, Australia captain Pat Cummins has identified Indian seamer Jasprit Bumrah as a pivotal factor in the series outcome. Cummins praised Bumrah’s exceptional bowling skills and emphasized the challenge he poses to the Australian side.

“I’m a big fan of Bumrah. I think he’s a fantastic bowler. Hopefully, if we can keep him quiet, that is going to go a long way to winning the series,” Cummins stated during a session at the Star Sports Press Room.

Cummins also acknowledged that Bumrah is part of a broader Indian bowling lineup, with some players unfamiliar to Australian conditions. “Alongside him, he has got some other guys who haven’t played a lot over here in Australia (that) we haven’t seen a lot of. We’ll see how it goes,” he added.

Reflecting on the absence of veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara, Cummins noted that the series will feel different without the formidable presence of the experienced cricketer. The Australian captain reminisced about his tough battles with Pujara, describing him as a player who could grind out innings for hours.

“It was always great playing (against) Pujara. He was one of those guys who never really felt like he was getting away from you. But then he would (just) bat, bat, bat and bat,” Cummins said. “I really enjoyed the contest against him. Some days he won, other days I won. It’s going to have a bit of a different feel without him. Pujara is a great player. I had lots of battles against him over the years. I quite enjoyed them, to be honest. It was real Test cricket.”