The ODI series against India, which begins on Sunday in Perth, is special, according to Australia captain Pat Cummins, as it may be the “last chance” for fans in the country to see superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Due to a back issue, Cummins, 32, would be watching the action from the sidelines.
“Virat and Rohit have been part of almost every Indian side for the last 15 years, so this might be the last chance for the Australian public to see them playing out here,” Cummins told ‘JioHotstar’.
“They’ve obviously been champions of the game for India and are always very well supported. Whenever we play them, the crowd gets loud,” he added.
The top pacer expressed his disappointment at missing the series, which will also include matches in Sydney and Adelaide. On October 29, a five-match T20 International series will begin.
“It’s a shame to miss the white-ball series against India. I think the crowds are going to be huge. There’s already a lot of excitement built up here in Australia,” he said.
“So, whenever you miss a game, it’s disappointing. But missing a big series like this is always a bit harder to take,” he added.
He did, however, provide his opinion on the strategy that Australia should employ under interim captain Mitchell Marsh.
“It’s three matches you want to win, but it’s also about giving exposure to the younger guys coming through, particularly those who weren’t part of the last World Cup.
“The goal is to try and play them, see what they can do, and make sure that once we get close to the World Cup, we know what our 15-man squad is going to be and that we’re well placed,” he said.
Regarding pacer Mitchell Starc’s decision to retire from T20 international cricket in order to concentrate on his Test career, Cummins stated that he is aware of the consideration that went into making that decision.
“I knew it was on Starkey’s mind for a little while, retiring from T20Is. Playing all three formats is tough. He’s a couple of years older than me and has played 100 Test matches as well, quite a few more than I have,” he said.
“He wants to prioritise Test cricket. He’s had a fantastic T20I career, and there are plenty of other guys who, while they may not do exactly what Starkey did, can step in and fill his shoes,” he added.
