November 21, 2024: Ahead of the eagerly awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series, Australia’s captain Pat Cummins expressed confidence in his team’s preparations, brushing aside concerns about facing new and unfamiliar faces in the Indian squad. With the first Test set to begin soon, both teams have ramped up their preparations, knowing that the series will play a pivotal role in determining their qualification for the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The series has attracted intense focus, with both teams currently positioned as the top two in the WTC standings. However, there is a marked contrast between the two squads. Australia has largely stuck with its experienced core, maintaining consistency, while India has introduced a couple of fresh faces to their squad, including young players who have caught the eye in domestic and IPL cricket. Despite these changes, Cummins is unfazed, citing the familiarity of playing against and alongside many of these newcomers in the IPL.
“I think you always make plans for the whole squad,” Cummins told reporters before the series opener. “With most Test teams, especially India, you have a lot of depth. Most of us have played IPL and seen how many newcomers come in and step up straight away.” He pointed out that India’s new inclusions, such as young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy (who Cummins knows from their time together at Sunrisers Hyderabad) and the promising Nitish Rana (whom Cummins had encountered during their 2024 IPL season), are no strangers to the Australian side. “We know they have potential,” Cummins said, highlighting the advantage of knowing their strengths from IPL encounters.
While India faces a few absences—namely, the absence of Rohit Sharma due to injury and the uncertainty surrounding Shubman Gill’s fitness after a thumb injury—Cummins reiterated that whoever fills those roles will have the ability to perform at the highest level. “We know whoever they pick is going to be good enough for Test cricket,” Cummins added, acknowledging India’s depth and the fact that they will be competitive regardless of personnel changes.
On the other hand, Australia’s squad remains largely unchanged, with most players having been part of the team for the last two to three years. This continuity, Cummins believes, has made the lead-up to the series smooth and seamless. “It has basically been the same side for the last two or three years, so the week leading up is very normal. Everyone knows how they need to prepare,” Cummins said, noting the relaxed atmosphere within the camp. The familiarity of the squad members has been one of Australia’s strengths, and Cummins emphasized that the team not only performs consistently but also enjoys playing together.
“We have done it heaps before with the same people,” Cummins explained. “It’s just about reaffirming what we do really well.” He also spoke highly of the camaraderie within the team, saying that one of their key strengths is the positive environment and how well the players get along. “We love playing together,” Cummins concluded, signaling that morale within the Australian camp is high ahead of what promises to be a fiercely competitive series.
With both teams boasting world-class players and unique strengths, the series is set to be a thrilling contest, with Australia’s seasoned campaigners facing off against India’s blend of experience and youth.
