In a recent revelation, Australia captain Pat Cummins shared details about his history of competition with Indian players Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara, particularly the latter. Indeed, Pujara and Rahane played vital knocks for Team India, in the Test series played against Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21. The pair, however, has been ignored by the selectors for the forthcoming five-match series, which begins with the first Test in Perth the next Friday. This time the picture has changed and the old veterans have been replaced by new shining stars for the Australia Tour.
And, Cummins accentuated what he considers his ongoing clashes with Pujara, whom among others, he believes can bat in the middle of a hurricane.
“Most definitely. And I think Rahane and Pujara both played a few really important innings. It was always fun to play against Pujara. He was one of the guys who never appeared to be running away from you. And yet , he would, bat yet again, and again and yet again,” said the reporters, quoting Cummins.
Discussing Pujara’s inability to be part of the team during the series, Cummins said he finds it strange that Pujara will not be there as he is always present.
“Unlike with many other players, I always found him a worthy adversary. Some fans won, some others me. So, I think it will a little uncommon to not have him,” he concluded.
Cummins had nothing but good things to say about Indian vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah, claiming to be a big admirer of the fast bowler.
“I have always been a fan of Bumrah. He is an exceptional bowler and I can expect a lot of him during the series for India. He’s among a handful who has played a lot of cricket even in Australia,” Cummins said.
After the first test in Perth, the two sides will continue the series in three other Test matches: – Adelaide ( which will be a pink ball match), Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. It will also be the first five-match Test series between the two sides since 1991/92 running season.
