There is a lot of anticipation around India’s tour Down Under later this year, where Virat Kohli and company will face the Tim Paine-led Australian side in four Tests.
Just like the fans, Australia opener Joe Burns is also excited for the series as he believes it will be a battle between two incredibly strong bowling attacks.
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“I look at Australia and India as having two incredibly strong bowling attacks and that’s what’s going to be so exciting watching the two teams go at it,” Burns told reporters in a video conference on Thursday (May 7).
India’s pace attack would be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami, while the numero uno Test bowler Pat Cummins will lead Australia’s attack.
Recently, Australia replaced India from the No. 1 spot in ICC Test rankings for teams. In the World Test Championships points table, Australia are placed second behind India.
“I think both teams are going to have a lot to play for with the number one ranking and their positions in the world Test championships,” Burns said.
“That’s what’s motivating us at the moment in terms of all the training we’re doing with an eye looking forward to a huge summer against the Indian cricket team,” he added.
As a specialist opener, Burns said his role will be to negate the Indian new ball bowlers early in the Test.
“I guess as an opening batter, that’s why its so exciting for myself. There’s going to be a huge challenge this summer and a big role to play in nullifying the Indian bowlers, especially early in a Test match, the morning of day one with the new ball.”
“They are obviously world class team. You look at the world ranking, they were number one and now we have got to number one, so I know that series will be anticipated by everyone and as a player this is a sort of series you want to play in and do well in.”
However, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could play a spoilsport in the staging of the much-awaited series.
As of now, Australia's borders are sealed till September 30 to contain the spread of Coronavirus. The travel restrictions might jeopardize the country’s cricketing summer of 2020/21, in which they are also due to host the marquee ICC Men’s T20 World Cup from October 18 to November 15.
Team India are scheduled to play Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia in December-January.
(With PTI inputs)
