There is a lot of excitement around Australia’s upcoming Test series against India. The reigning World Test Champions will host India in five matches, starting November 22 in Perth.
With nearly a month remaining for the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia skipper Pat Cummins has stated that they are yet to make a final decision on the batting order.
"It is up to me and Ron to set the order. I know there is always commentary around everything to do with cricket. You listen to some, you do not listen to others, but we are still a fair way out from the series, so still a bit of water to go under the bridge," said Cummins while speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald.
India have won the last two Test series on Australian soil, while they have held onto the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy since March 2017.
However, Cummins believes the Aussies are in a better position this time to face India, recalling past disruptions such as the bans on Steve Smith and David Warner during the 'Sandpaper Gate' controversy (2018-19) and the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-21).
"A couple of home series I have played against India there's always an element of attrition to them," the captain said.
"The last series came down to the last session at the Gabba on the last day of the last Test match. That is a good thing to keep in mind; it is a long series, and it might be tightly held until the last game, so you've got to manage your resources throughout," he concluded.
Steve Smith has taken over as Australia’s Test opener after David Warner's retirement earlier this year, but his performance in this role has been less than stellar. The veteran campaigner has scored 171 runs at an average of 28.50, including a notable 91 against the West Indies.
All-rounder Cameron Green, who was slotted in at No. 4 and delivered a commendable 174 against New Zealand earlier this year, is doubtful to participate in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to his recent back injury.
Green’s injury might open the door for potential new players from Sheffield Shield like Marcus Harris, Matt Renshaw, and Cameron Bancroft for the opening slot with Smith may be heading back to the fourth spot in the lineup.
The team that wins the Border-Gavaskar Trophy could be well poised to earn a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s next year. India are currently heading the points table, followed by the defending champions Australia.
After the first Test in Perth, the action will shift to Adelaide (December 6-10), where both teams will face each other in a Day-Night Test. The last three Tests are set to take place in Brisbane (December 14-18), Melbourne (December 26-30), and Sydney (January 3-7).
