BGT 2024: Pat Cummins backs Steve Smith to regain form at Gabba; underscores significance of dominating at home

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy currently stands level at 1-1.

By Salman Anjum - 13 Dec, 2024

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy currently poised at 1-1, the third Test could well be a make or break for Australia and India as the two teams are slated to square off at the Gabba from Saturday (December 14).

On the eve of the match, Australian skipper Pat Cummins addressed a press conference in Brisbane, where he underscored the significance of dominating at home, particularly in the context of the World Test Championship.

"I think there's definitely pride in winning in Australia. These are our home conditions. These are the conditions we grew up playing with. I think the hardest thing in cricket nowadays is winning Test Series away from home. To make that World Test Championship, you've kind of got to win everything at home and try and pick up some wins overseas where you can. We definitely go into every home series here expecting to win. That's what we grew up watching and that is the kind of the standards we set ourselves," Cummins told reporters.

India made a strong start to the five-match series with a commanding 295-run victory in the first Test at Perth. However, the hosts bounced back in the second Test at Adelaide, winning by a dominant 10-wicket margin.

Cummins troubled the Indian batters with his pace and bounce in the pink-ball Test. He returned with seven scalps in the match, including a five-wicket haul in the second innings.

The Australian captain threatened to attack the touring batters with bouncers in the third Test as well.

"Yes, potentially. It worked out in the Adelaide Test. It's always in the back of your mind as a bit of a Plan B, or if it's looking really uncomfortable and likely to take wickets, maybe it comes with Plan A for some of the batters," he said.

On a different note, Cummins backed star batter Steve Smith to regain his form during the Gabba Test against India.

Smith has managed to aggregate only 19 runs from three innings in the ongoing series, while he averages 23.20 after playing seven Tests in 2024.

"You look at his record, stats would suggest (runs) are not far around the corner," Cummins said.

"In particular this year, he's looking fantastic in the nets, just looking really sharp, looking like he's got plenty of time. doing all the right things like he always does.

"He got caught down the leg side last game. I don't know if you can look into that too much, so I'm sure a big score's just around the corner."

Cummins appreciated the batting style and mentality of Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, who looked to dominate the Indian bowlers in the first two Tests.

"I think everyone goes about it a little bit differently. You know, Trav and Mitch are natural shot-makers. That's the way they go about it. You know, for a few of the other guys, they've perhaps skimmed the cat a little bit differently, particularly here at the Gabba. You know, it can change from day one to day two or three. Everyone's got their own method. I think the most important thing is you play to your strength and Trav did that last week," he remarked.

By Salman Anjum - 13 Dec, 2024

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