Cricket

Australian pace spearhead Pat Cummins is brimming with confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup, believing his game is in its best shape in a decade. Fresh from a successful stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Cummins has joined the Australian squad in Barbados, ready to make his mark.Cummins' confidence stems from his impressive performances in the IPL, where he led the Sunrisers Hyderabad to the playoffs. He finished the tournament with 17 wickets in 17 matches, showcasing his ability to adapt to the demands of T20 cricket."Probably as well as I have for the last 10 years really," Cummins told cricket.com.au of his T20 bowling. "We played 17 games straight (at the IPL). For the most part, international T20s are after the Test series, and you've got to try and hit a yorker or a slower ball, and then go back to a Test series.""So just getting the pace of the game and executing some of those balls that you need more in T20 cricket than in other formats, I feel really well placed," he added.Cummins emphasized the importance of playing consistently in the same format, which he believes makes a "huge difference" to the tactical side of bowling."A lot of T20 bowling in particular is about thinking through your sequencing of which ball to bowl or when, and I think over the course of the season you get to learn pretty quickly what's working and what isn't.""Even if it doesn't work first game, and you feel like it's never going to work every game, but you know that if you zoom out over the course of the tournament it's going to work for you. So it's nice coming in here with that confidence."Cummins' tenure as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad not only polished his bowling skills but also enhanced his leadership credentials. However, he is content to take a backseat in leadership with Mitchell Marsh stepping up as captain for the T20 World Cup."I'm obviously there to help him if he needs me but it's Mitch's show. I'm certainly there to help ... as are a lot of the senior guys, so he won't be short of help if he needs it," Cummins said.

Ashton Agar, the Australian left-arm spinner, is ready to venture beyond the confines of international cricket and explore the lucrative world of franchise cricket. With a decade-long career in the Australian setup, Agar believes it's time to seek new challenges and opportunities.Agar, 30, is currently part of Australia's T20 World Cup squad but has only played three international matches across all formats in the past 1.5 years. He has realized that relying solely on national contracts can hinder his growth as a cricketer."I've made that mistake before and your cricket skills fall away, if you're clinging on to safety and security," Agar said in an interview with cricket.com.au.Agar's decision to explore franchise cricket follows the trend set by his Australian counterparts, such as David Warner, Mitchell Starc, Glen Maxwell, and Pat Cummins, who have become household names in leagues worldwide."I think a lot of people are going to do what I've just done in the coming years. We'll see it a lot more next year, more the year after -- and that's just going to be the way cricket works," Agar said.Agar, who has played in the T20 World Cup warm-up game against Namibia, hopes to be a part of the playing XI in the tournament and bowl alongside his close friend Adam Zampa."It had been really positive (messaging from national selectors) the whole time that if we were going to take two spinners I was going to go," Agar said.Agar's decision to seek opportunities outside of the Australian cricket establishment is a reflection of the changing landscape of the sport. With the proliferation of T20 leagues around the world, players are increasingly looking to maximize their earning potential and gain experience in different conditions.

David Warner, the seasoned Australian batsman, is determined to conclude his illustrious international career on a triumphant note. As the T20I World Cup approaches, Warner and his Australian teammates are embracing a "fearless" approach, aiming to etch their names in cricket history.Despite retiring from Test and ODI cricket, Warner remains open to the possibility of returning for the 2025 Champions Trophy if the team requires his services as an opening batsman. However, he acknowledges that the team may not need him for that event.The T20 World Cup, expanded to include 20 teams, will be hosted by the West Indies and the United States in June. Australia's matches will be played in the Caribbean, presenting a unique opportunity for the team to achieve an unprecedented feat.Warner, along with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Travis Head, has the chance to become the first team in history to simultaneously hold three International Cricket Council trophies, having already won the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup in the past year."Being part of that potential history, you only sit back and reflect on those things when you're completely done and dusted," Warner said. "I did an interview with the ICC recently asking me about it and all the tournaments I've been a part of, and I can't remember them all, but it's been great."However, Warner hints that his international career may not be over just yet, referencing the ICC's revived Champions Trophy, scheduled for Pakistan next year. "They may not need me," he added with a laugh.Warner missed the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season due to an injury to his left hand. Despite this setback, he showcased his readiness by scoring an impressive 54 runs off just 21 deliveries in a practice game against Namibia held in Trinidad last week.Warner will not participate in any matches until Australia's opening encounter against Oman, scheduled for Thursday in Barbados.Warner's journey towards bidding farewell to the grand stage has been remarkable. In November, Australia emerged victorious against India in India to clinch the ODI World Cup title. Later, in January, he bid adieu to traditional cricket during the Sydney Test match. It is highly anticipated that he will make his final appearance in T20 internationals while playing in the Caribbean.Regardless of when Warner decides to retire, one thing is certain: he will undoubtedly give his all and go out with a bang, no matter which team he faces in his final moments on the cricket field."We've always played fearless and I think that's why we've been so successful over the last few years. We don't care about our spot in a team, we just care about doing the best that we can, and making sure that whatever we're doing, we're trying to be that match winner," he said."And the fortunate thing is that we've got so many of them. One might come off one day, the next day someone else will come off. So we just know that one person in that top six, if they can get anywhere between 60 to 80 runs at a good strike rate, we know we're always going to post a good total. It's the same with the new ball. If Starcy [Mitchell Starc] is swinging the ball, we'll get early wickets, and that brings the spinners into the game," he added.Warner is confident that Australia's resounding triumph against India in the World Cup late last year, coupled with their impressive showing versus South Africa in the semi-final, has provided them with a psychological advantage over their competitors."If you look at the way that we performed with our backs up against the wall after the first couple of games [losing badly to India and South Africa], you just never count us out," he said.

Mitchell Marsh's appointment as Australia's T20 World Cup captain is a testament to his remarkable journey, marked by both inevitability and improbability.As the son of former ODI captain Geoff Marsh, Mitchell grew up immersed in the Australian cricket culture. His exceptional all-round talent and leadership qualities were evident early on, leading him to captain Australia to an Under-19 World Cup victory in 2010.However, Marsh's path to the senior captaincy was not without its challenges. Despite his talent, he faced criticism and setbacks, including being booed by his home crowd and breaking his hand in frustration. He was even dropped as Test vice-captain and left out of the 2021 T20 World Cup triumph.Through it all, Marsh remained resilient and focused on his own unique style of leadership. He is known for his genuine care for his teammates, his ability to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere, and his belief in allowing players to express themselves.Marsh's appointment as T20 World Cup captain is a reflection of his growth and maturity. He has embraced his own strengths and weaknesses, and has found a way to lead that aligns with his values and the modern Australian cricket culture.Under Marsh's leadership, Australia has won three T20I series in the past year. He has created a positive and supportive environment where players feel comfortable playing their natural game.While Marsh may not fit the traditional mold of an Australian captain, his unique qualities and his ability to connect with his teammates make him an ideal leader for this team. He is expected to create a calm and fun atmosphere at the World Cup, allowing players to perform at their best and challenge for the title.

Former Australian captain Tim Paine has advocated for the inclusion of Nathan Ellis in Australia's first-choice attack for the 2024 T20 World Cup, alongside Mitchell Starc and Adam Zampa. Paine believes Ellis' versatility and impressive performances in the powerplay and death overs make him a valuable asset to the team.Ellis, 29, has played 14 T20Is for Australia, but only one on home soil. Despite his limited opportunities, he has consistently delivered strong performances, including an outstanding international record. Paine believes Ellis' ability to bowl throughout the powerplay and his effective slower balls make him a perfect complement to the other quicks in the squad.While acknowledging the exceptional abilities of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, Paine argues that Ellis' unique skillset and ability to provide variety in the attack will be crucial for Australia's success in the upcoming World Cup. He emphasizes that Ellis' economy rate in the powerplay and his dominance at the death make him a standout performer in these critical phases of the game.Ellis' impressive numbers in T20s since 2020 support Paine's assessment. He boasts the second-best powerplay economy among the selected World Cup squad, behind only Hazlewood. At the death, he is the most effective Australian quick, having bowled significantly more overs in that phase than any of his counterparts.Despite his limited playing time in the recent IPL, Ellis made a positive impact in Australia's warm-up match against Namibia, taking 1 for 17 from his four overs. With Starc and Cummins expected to join the squad later, there is a possibility that Australia will experiment with different bowling combinations during the group stage. However, Paine's strong endorsement of Ellis suggests that he is a serious contender for a starting role in the team's first-choice attack.

'The Test' Season 3: A Thrilling Journey of Redemption and ResilienceAmazon Prime's 'The Test' returns with its third season, offering an immersive and captivating look into the Australian cricket team's path to redemption and their subsequent Ashes series. The docuseries captures the highs and lows of the team's journey, providing an intimate glimpse into the lives of the players and the challenges they faced.One of the most memorable moments of the season occurs during the second episode, when English batter Jonny Bairstow is controversially run out by Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey. The incident sparks a heated exchange between the two teams and ignites a fire within the Australian players. Carey becomes a target of the English crowd's ire, which affects him mentally, as revealed by teammate Steve Smith.The docuseries also delves into the team's preparation for the Ashes series, highlighting the challenges they faced in adapting to the aggressive "Bazball" style of play adopted by England. The series captures the intense rivalry between the two teams, showcasing the determination and resilience of the Australian players as they strive to regain the Ashes.Beyond the on-field drama, 'The Test' also explores the personal stories of the players. Travis Head's absence from the team due to his wedding and his subsequent return to form at the World Test Championship is a testament to the sacrifices and challenges faced by professional athletes. Nathan Lyon's injury and his emotional journey while watching the series from home add a human element to the narrative.The docuseries is expertly edited, ensuring a fast-paced and engaging viewing experience. It features insightful commentary from players, coaches, and experts, providing a comprehensive analysis of the team's performance. The series also includes memorable quotes, such as Marnus Labuchange's observation that "Cricket is a game of small margins. You can feel like you're on top and it can flip in a second."While Season 3 may not have the same level of intrigue as the first season, which focused on the team's image rebuilding exercise after the ball-tampering scandal, it still offers plenty of excitement and drama. The series provides a unique perspective on the world of professional cricket, showcasing the challenges, triumphs, and personal sacrifices that shape the lives of these elite athletes.

Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has hinted at potentially retiring from one format of international cricket to accommodate more franchise cricket in his schedule. The 34-year-old, who has been a mainstay in the Australian Test and ODI teams for over a decade, has expressed his desire to prioritize franchise cricket as he nears the twilight of his career.Starc's decision comes after a stellar season with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he played a pivotal role in their title triumph. He finished the tournament with 17 wickets, including five in the two knockout games, showcasing his exceptional skills and match-winning abilities.While Starc did not explicitly state which format he intends to give up, it is likely to be ODIs considering the next 50-over World Cup is not scheduled until 2027. This would allow him to focus on T20 cricket, which has gained immense popularity in recent years and offers lucrative financial opportunities.Starc's decision reflects the changing landscape of cricket, where franchise leagues are becoming increasingly competitive and financially rewarding. Players are now faced with the dilemma of balancing their international commitments with the allure of lucrative contracts in franchise cricket.Starc's experience in the IPL has not only boosted his confidence but also provided him with valuable preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies. He believes that the tournament will be a different challenge compared to the IPL, with pitches likely to offer more assistance to spinners and lower scores expected.Despite the criticism he faced during the early stages of the IPL, Starc remained unfazed and focused on contributing to his team's success. He emphasized that he does not need additional motivation from his price tag and that he is committed to performing at his best for whichever team he represents.Starc's decision to potentially retire from one format of international cricket is a significant development in the world of cricket. It highlights the growing influence of franchise leagues and the challenges faced by players in balancing their international and franchise commitments.

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa has expressed his preference for prioritizing international cricket over lucrative T20 franchise leagues. Zampa, who withdrew from the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) due to fatigue, believes that representing Australia brings him a greater sense of fulfillment."I've really come to love playing for Australia," Zampa said. "It's always been enjoyable, but under the current leadership, it's just so much more so. I make good money playing for Australia, and I would love to prioritize that and being with my family."Zampa acknowledged that franchise cricket has its benefits, but it doesn't compare to the camaraderie and atmosphere of the Australian dressing room. "I don't get enough out of franchise cricket," he said. "It's great for certain aspects of your life, but it's not like being in the Aussie dressing room. I don't get the same buzz out of it."The leg-spinner had previously considered becoming a globe-trotting T20 player, but has since realized that he prefers a more balanced approach. "I've thought about playing franchise cricket all year round, but after winning the World Cup and having a young family, I've realized I want to play cricket for as long as I can," he said. "Instead of trying to play for nine or 10 months of the year, I'd rather play for six or seven."Zampa is excited about Australia's upcoming T20 World Cup campaign in the West Indies and the USA, where he will reunite with left-arm spinner Ashton Agar. "I feel like there's a little bit of unfinished business," Zampa said. "Ash missed out on the last World Cup, and I really think this is his World Cup to put his stamp on."Zampa also praised the potential of young leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha, who was in contention for a traveling reserve role before suffering an injury. "He's had a lot of niggles and injuries, but he's years ahead of where I was at his age," Zampa said. "He's really smart and certainly going to have a long career for Australia."

Pat Cummins, the Australian Test captain, is optimistic about the team's ability to navigate potential personnel changes in the coming years. He hopes to retain the core of his Test side, particularly during his tenure as captain, with crucial home summers against India and England on the horizon.While David Warner's retirement last summer marked the beginning of a generational shift, mass retirements in Test cricket are not anticipated. Nathan Lyon's absence from three Ashes Tests last year due to injury raised concerns about the future, but he has since expressed his desire to play in the 2027 England series."It's something we definitely think about," Cummins told ESPNcricinfo. "We're lucky that everyone has played a couple of years longer than we'd first hoped. Hopefully, it's the same with Nath."Cummins emphasized the importance of ensuring Lyon's longevity, similar to Jimmy Anderson's career management. "The job is to try and ensure he does get those four or five years. We try and do everything we can to get him right for those Test matches. At his age, it all comes down to his body really."The challenge for Australia will be to prevent a mass exodus, especially among the bowlers, given the age of the Test side. With ODI and T20I teams typically built around World Cup cycles, a transition is likely after the upcoming T20 World Cup. A similar change could occur in the ODI side after next year's Champions Trophy."In more recent years, it's one of the benefits of white-ball cricket that we have so many guys who play all three formats [that] they are going to have rest at some points," Cummins said. "In white-ball cricket, we've seen the emergence of younger guys. So come big tournaments or Test matches, they've already had some exposure, and hopefully, it makes the transition a bit more seamless."Despite a successful 2022 with the World Test Championship title, Ashes retention, and ODI World Cup triumph, Australia missed an opportunity to win the Ashes series in England after leading 2-0. Cummins acknowledged the disappointment, particularly in the Headingley Test, where England edged out a three-wicket victory."Think maybe Headingley was one that got away from us," he said. "Manchester we were totally outplayed, nothing went our way, but think Leeds we had our opportunities."While Cummins has not specified a timeframe for his captaincy, he has previously indicated that it will not be a long-term role. Head coach Andrew McDonald has suggested a four-year tenure, suggesting that the successful partnership may be approaching its midpoint.Australia is well-positioned to qualify for next year's WTC final, with the upcoming India series likely to be crucial. Cummins expressed his desire for the second half of the WTC cycle to be as successful as the first."Most things have gone to plan for now. Think you are going to get a natural churn rate with some of our more senior guys. Hopefully, they hang around for a while and they can manage their bodies until we are done. That makes the job for Andrew and myself a lot easier, but we'll see."