Australian captain Pat Cummins admitted his team is still in disbelief over the sudden death of legendary spinner Shane Warne last Friday (March 4). Cummins said the players have been sharing their stories of Warne, and that has helped them.
Speaking to reporters from Karachi, Cummins said, "Yeah, I think everyone is still in disbelief. We have shared a lot of stories especially (Shane) Warnie who was a hero to a lot of our players growing up. He is still one of our favourite ever cricketers,"
Cummins confirmed leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson will make his debut in the second Test at Karachi, and it will be a special moment for him as he grew up trying to replicate Warne's magic. "I think it is quite special that someone like Mitchell Swepson is going to debut tomorrow as a leg spinner who grew up trying to replicate Warnie," he said.
"But everyone is getting around each other, I think it hits home, those kind of moments gives us everyone clarity and perspective and if anything the way he played is a pretty good blueprint for every player who wants to be part of Test wins and win the games for teams.
"If anything, a few of those stories has hit home and invigorated a lot of the players," Cummins added.
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Warne's body arrived in Melbourne from Thailand on Thursday, and a state funeral will be organized for the great Australian cricketer on March 30 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
(AP inputs)