With just two days remaining for the highly anticipated WTC final against India, Australian captain Pat Cummins has expressed his readiness despite most of the Australian players having taken a break since the India series. Cummins stated that breaks are rare to come by and emphasized the importance of being physically fresh for the six upcoming Test matches, including five in the Ashes. He mentioned that it is better to be slightly underdone than overdone from a bowler’s perspective.
Addressing concerns about rustiness, Cummins brushed them aside and mentioned that the team had trained hard back home, feeling rejuvenated and refreshed for the upcoming match. He described the Oval’s track as good, noting its bounce, and expressed confidence that Australia has enough bowlers to exploit the conditions effectively.
Cummins acknowledged Australia’s less-than-stellar record at the Oval, having won only two Tests in the past 50 years with a low overall win percentage. However, he pointed out that most of the current playing group hasn’t been a part of those 50 Tests, and their experience primarily lies in Ashes games, where some players have performed well with both bat and ball. Despite the challenges, Cummins remained optimistic about their chances.
Speaking about the Indian team, Cummins acknowledged their strong performance at home and the difficulties they have posed for Australia in recent tours. He recognized that the Indian players are hitting their grooves and some are at the peak of their careers, making them a formidable opponent.
Overall, Cummins conveyed his team’s eagerness and preparedness for the WTC final while acknowledging the challenges ahead.