India vs Australia: “That’s the beauty of Test cricket” – Pat Cummins feels on-field banter brings out the passion in players
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Pat Cummins
The Australia cricket team is renowned around the world for their win-at-all-costs mentality. There was a time when the Australian team were the face of banter in the cricketing world. But the infamous Sandpaper Gate has brought about a revolution in the side which is now vying to better their image on the world stage. And this Aussie culture has started to fade. The current team management is wary of how the players behave on and off the field. And this has seen a steep decline in verbal altercations on the field from the Kangaroos.
Yet Aussie pacer Pat Cummins feels that banter is good for cricket. Cummins adds that on-field banter brings out the passion in both the camps. And he believes that it what sets Test cricket apart. The lanky pacer adds that fast and bouncy Australian pitches only enhances the level of contest.
“I think it’s good. As a cricket fan I used to enjoy that growing up watching. You know Painey (Tim Paine) doesn’t stand down and Virat’s obviously the same. They both want to get into the contest, want to get involved. And it just shows how passionate both teams are. I think that’s the beauty of Test cricket. It’s for five days, each team doesn’t give up an inch, they’re all in. Especially in Australia where the wickets are a bit pacier and bouncier than perhaps somewhere else. You see the fast bowlers get a bit more involved as well, so it’s always a good contest,” Cummins said on KKR TV.
He’s a class player
Cummins is excited to face his Kolkata Knight Rider teammate Shubman Gill in all whites. The 27-year-old shares that every tour a young Indian player makes a mark Down Under. And he is looking forward to seeing how “class player” Gill fares in Australia. Cummins jokes that he might indulge the youngster in a banter if he makes his debut this series.
“I haven’t really. I should actually start now, it might be a bit late. Every time India comes out to Australia there’s always a story of one or two young guys who kind of make a name for themselves in our conditions. And obviously seeing firsthand, he’s a class player. It will be interesting to see if he gets runs for India. Might be some friendly banter out on the field between us two.“
The first Test of the Border Gavaskar series will be a day-night affair. And Cummins is all praises for the new look of the longest format. He goes on to hail the popularity of the pink ball game among the Aussie fans. The Kangaroos have played seven games with the pink ball and boast a 100% track record.
“Day-night test is a great spectacle. It keeps the essence of test cricket going but it’s slightly different. I think it’s going to be interesting. Either way, it’s a test that we love playing, fans in Australia especially love it as well,” he signs off.
Also Read | “We’ve all learned a little bit about ourselves” – Pat Cummins looking forward to “really good” Test series
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Anshuman Mahapatra
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