Cricket

Australia's pace attack, led by Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, has been a formidable force in recent years. However, with a grueling five-Test series against India on the horizon, Cummins anticipates a greater workload for all-rounders Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh.In the past, Australia's all-rounders have played a limited role in the bowling department. However, Cummins believes that this summer will be different. "I suspect this summer might be a bit different at time," he said. "We'll be drawing on Cam Green and Mitch Marsh a bit more."Green, who has taken 35 wickets in Tests, has been a revelation with the bat, scoring a magnificent 174 not out against New Zealand earlier this year. He is expected to bat at No. 4 and provide valuable overs with the ball.Marsh, on the other hand, is a more experienced all-rounder who has played 32 Tests for Australia. He is a reliable batsman and a handy medium-pacer.Cummins believes that having all-rounders in the top six gives Australia a significant advantage. "The first point is they both absolutely make the top six on their batting alone which is a luxury," he said. "It makes a big difference to have that fifth bowling option. And with someone like Cam and Mitch we have six bowling options."The presence of all-rounders also helps manage the workload of the frontline bowlers. "It's nice of them to say that, they'd never say it to my face," Cummins joked. "When I'm at the top of their mark asking them to do something, they know I'm also doing it down the other end and wouldn't ask for something I can't do myself."Australia has a healthy stockpile of fast-bowling resources behind the big three, including Scott Boland, Michael Neser, Lance Morris, Xavier Bartlett, and Jhye Richardson. However, Cummins is confident that his frontline bowlers can get through the India series without any major issues."I'm feeling really good," he said. "I've had a couple of months off bowling now, so I'm feeling fresh and ready to go."

Australia's Test captain Pat Cummins has decided to take a two-month break from cricket to prepare for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Cummins has been playing non-stop since the World Test Championship final 18 months ago and feels that he needs a break to rejuvenate himself both physically and mentally."Everyone that comes back after a break is a little bit fresher, you never regret it," Cummins told Fox Sports. "I've basically been bowling non-stop since the World Test Championship final, nearly 18 months ago. This gives me a good seven or eight weeks completely off bowling so the body can recover, then you start building up again for the summer."Cummins' decision to take a break has been supported by Cricket Australia, who believe that it will help him to be at his best for the upcoming summer. Cummins is determined to lead Australia to victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which they have not won since 2017."It's the trophy I haven't won before... this is the one trophy a lot of our group haven't ticked off," Cummins said. "We've achieved some amazing things over the last few years as a Test group. You kind of back yourself to win every series at home. I think you need to try and be up there in the upper echelon of teams."Cummins is also looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will be included for the first time. Cummins is hoping to be part of the Australian team that competes in the Olympics."Watching the Olympics, it got us all excited. You want to be part of it right there in the middle," Cummins said. "I'd love to be on that side (at LA 2028). I think I'll be 35 or something, so hopefully still there or thereabouts."

Left-arm quick Spencer Johnson's injury has forced him out of Australia's upcoming T20I series against Scotland and England. The 26-year-old sustained a side strain while playing for Oval Invincibles in the Hundred.Johnson's absence has opened the door for New South Wales allrounder Sean Abbott, who was initially only included in the ODI squad. Abbott, a leading wicket-taker in the BBL, has also impressed in the Hundred, claiming nine wickets in seven matches for Birmingham Phoenix.Johnson's injury is a setback for Australia, who view him as a potential replacement for Mitchell Starc in the T20 side. Starc has been rested for the T20Is but will feature in the ODIs. Pat Cummins will miss the entire tour, while Josh Hazlewood is part of both squads.Abbott joins Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, and Marcus Stoinis as the frontline seamers in the T20I squad. Australia's selectors are keeping an eye on the next T20 World Cup in 18 months' time, but have not ruled out Starc or Cummins from the format.Johnson's focus will now be on recovering in time for the start of the Australia domestic season, where he plays for South Australia. Australia's next T20Is after the UK tour are a three-match series against Pakistan in mid-November, which could provide another opportunity for Johnson.

India's formidable bowling attack and exceptional batting lineup have positioned them as strong contenders for a third consecutive Test series victory in Australia, according to former head coach Ravi Shastri.With Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja leading the bowling charge, India possesses a potent arsenal capable of dismantling Australia's batting order. Shastri believes that if the Indian batsmen, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, can rise to the occasion, India has every chance of completing a hat-trick of series wins Down Under.Despite Ricky Ponting's prediction of a 3-1 series win for Australia, Shastri remains confident in India's ability to overcome the challenge. He emphasizes that the Indian bowlers have the experience and skill to deliver success, provided the batsmen provide adequate support.The upcoming five-match series in Australia, commencing in Perth in November, is highly anticipated. India has emerged victorious in the previous two Test series in Australia, retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 2015.Shastri acknowledges that Australia, boasting a potent bowling lineup of their own, will be eager for revenge after suffering back-to-back series defeats. However, he believes that India's batting prowess and bowling strength will prove too formidable for the hosts.The clash between India's batting and Australia's fast bowlers is expected to be a key factor in determining the outcome of the series. Shastri highlights that the Indian bowling attack will also be under scrutiny, as they aim to replicate their success in previous tours of Australia.

Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian cricketer, has predicted a 3-1 victory for his home team in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Ponting believes that Australia has a "point to prove" after losing their previous two home Test series to India.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a prestigious Test series between Australia and India, will be played later this year. Australia has not defeated India in a Test series since 2014-15, and Ponting believes that the hosts are eager to break that streak."It's going to be a competitive series and, as I said, I think Australia's got a bit of a point to prove against India in Australia on the back of what's happened the last two series here," Ponting said on the ICC Review.Ponting also discussed the possibility of Steven Smith continuing to open the batting for Australia. Smith has been opening in recent Tests, but his form has been inconsistent. Ponting believes that Smith should only open if he is comfortable with the role."Probably the only one question there might be with Australia again, is if Smith's the right man to be opening the batting. That would be the only query that I can see there. But that was all about obviously bringing Cameron Green back into the side," Ponting said."So I'll rephrase it, not whether Smith's the right man to open the batting but whether he thinks it's the right spot for him. Because I think if he doesn't think it's the right spot then they'll make a change and get someone else back up there."Ponting's prediction of a 3-1 victory for Australia is based on the team's strong home record and the return of key players like Cameron Green. However, India will be a formidable opponent, and the series is likely to be closely contested.

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins is preparing for the upcoming series against India by considering a brief return to the Sheffield Shield. Cummins, who recently completed a stint in the USA, has been rested from Australia's white-ball tour of Scotland and England next month.Cummins' focus is on building strength and conditioning ahead of the home summer, which includes five Tests against India starting in late November. These Tests will be crucial in determining Australia's chances of defending their World Test Championship title at Lord's next June.Cummins last played Sheffield Shield for New South Wales in February 2021 and has only made nine appearances in his career. He is considering playing two or three ODIs against Pakistan in early November, followed by a Shield game or NSW one-day matches.New South Wales has a Shield game against Victoria from October 20 and Queensland from November 1, although the latter overlaps with the start of the ODI series against Pakistan. Cummins' fellow fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood could also be available for New South Wales ahead of the international season.Most of the Australian batters are expected to be available for the Sheffield Shield in October, while those not involved in the ODI series against Pakistan could get another outing. There are also two Australia A four-day matches against India A in Mackay and Melbourne.Cummins' return to the Sheffield Shield will provide him with valuable match practice ahead of the crucial Test series against India. The series will be a major test for Australia, who are currently second in the World Test Championship table behind India.

Marnus Labuschagne, the prolific Australian batter, has bid farewell to a cherished piece of cricket memorabilia: the bat he wielded in Australia's triumphant 2023 World Cup final against India. The retirement of this bat, now bearing the scars of battle, has stirred memories for both Australian and Indian fans.In the pulsating final, Labuschagne played a pivotal role, anchoring Australia's chase of 241 with an unbeaten 58 off 110 deliveries. His resolute innings, alongside Travis Head's blistering 137, steered Australia to their sixth World Cup title.The bat, a Kookaburra, has witnessed countless hours of practice and competition. Its willow, once pristine, now bears the marks of countless deliveries faced. The middle and bottom of the bat have been worn down, a testament to Labuschagne's unwavering determination.Labuschagne shared an image of the bat on social media, evoking a range of emotions from fans. Indian supporters expressed their dismay, recalling the pain inflicted by Labuschagne's match-winning knock. "We hate that bat and that innings Marnus," lamented one fan.However, others acknowledged the sentimental value attached to such a significant piece of equipment. "Attachment is something like this," remarked another fan. "The favorite bat cannot be easily left behind."Labuschagne's performance in the 2023 World Cup was nothing short of remarkable. In 10 innings, he amassed 362 runs, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess. His retirement of the World Cup bat serves as a poignant reminder of the unforgettable moments he created on the grandest stage of cricket.

India's hopes of securing a historic third consecutive Test series win against Australia hinge heavily on the fitness of their pace trio, according to former opener Wasim Jaffer.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy commences on November 22 in Perth, with India aiming to extend their dominance over the Aussies on their home turf. Jaffer believes that the availability of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj throughout the series will be crucial to India's success."If Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj stay fit and are able to play most of the series, India have a great opportunity for a hat-trick down under," Jaffer said. "Arshdeep could bring the left-arm option. And Mayank Yadav is a dark horse provided he's fit and available."India's pace attack has been a formidable force in recent years, with Bumrah, Shami, and Siraj forming a potent combination. Their ability to generate pace, swing, and seam movement will be key to troubling the Australian batters.The series will feature five Tests, starting with the Perth Stadium opener. The second Test will be a day-night affair at the Adelaide Oval, followed by the Gabba Test in Brisbane. The iconic Boxing Day Test will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, while the series concludes at the Sydney Cricket Ground.India has a strong record in Australia, having won the last two series in 2018-19 and 2020-21. However, the Aussies will be eager to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on home soil. The fitness of their pace trio will be a major factor in determining the outcome of the series.

Australia's multi-format stars will have their most extensive red-ball preparation for a summer in five years, with up to four Sheffield Shield matches to hone their skills before the Test series against India.Cricket Australia's domestic summer schedule, announced on Thursday, includes a new women's T20 competition before the WBBL. The Sheffield Shield and men's one-day cup will each feature seven matches, as in recent seasons.However, for the first time in a while, multi-format players will have a prolonged stretch of Shield games to prepare for the Test team's bid to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Australia's last overseas white-ball commitment this year is on September 29 in England, giving players a week before the Shield season begins on October 8. Even if fast bowlers are rested from the first round, each state will play three more fixtures before players enter camp for the first Test against India starting November 22.Pat Cummins is skipping the entire limited-overs tour of the UK in September, while Mitchell Starc will only play in the ODI series against England. Josh Hazlewood is included in both formats.While Starc played for NSW during the 2020-21 bubble, Cummins and Hazlewood have not played Shield before the first Test since November 2019. Mitchell Marsh has only played two Shield matches since 2019.The availability of multi-format players for the Shield may be affected by Pakistan's limited-overs tour, with the ODI series starting on November 4. The proximity of the T20Is (November 14-18) to the start of the India series means only players not featuring in the Test will likely be selected.The glut of Shield matches will also provide opportunities for Matt Renshaw, Marcus Harris, and Cameron Bancroft to push their selection claims.While Australia's Test team is largely settled, they may consider taking a reserve batsman into the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Chief selector George Bailey said in March that there was no longer a clear frontrunner to replace Steven Smith or Usman Khawaja at the top of the order, after Renshaw, Harris, and Bancroft missed out on national contracts.Bailey has indicated that a specialist opener will eventually replace Smith or Khawaja in the long term, after Smith moved into the role to replace David Warner last summer.Six Shield rounds will be played before the BBL break, followed by four more matches for each state in February and March. Shield fixtures will again be interwoven with the one-day cup, which starts on September 22, with Western Australia aiming for a fourth consecutive title in both competitions.The Shield final will take place between March 26-30, while the 50-over finals will be held on consecutive days - the Marsh Cup on March 1 and WNCL on March 2.The 50-over WNCL tournament, where Tasmania is bidding for a hat-trick of titles, again has 12 matches per team, while the newly introduced T20 series for women includes four games each due to the shortened WBBL.Each of the eight WBBL teams will participate, as well as the ACT Meteors, with the tournament running while Australia's big-name players and overseas stars are in Bangladesh for the T20 World Cup.