India vs Australia: Tim Paine reveals why he opted to open with Pat Cummins against Prithvi Shaw


India vs Australia: Tim Paine reveals why he opted to open with Pat Cummins against Prithvi Shaw

Pat Cummins and Tim Paine

Pat Cummins and Tim Paine
Pat Cummins and Tim Paine

The Australian skipper Tim Paine gave the new ball to Pat Cummins, alongside Mitchell Starc during India’s second innings. However, Josh Hazlewood opened the bowling attack with Starc during the first innings of the match. 

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Cummins also went on to dismiss the Indian opener, Prithvi Shaw cheaply with seven runs on the board. Tim Paine revealed why he picked Cummins over Hazlewood to share the new ball with Starc. He said that Australia kept in mind the movement Pat Cummins can generate off the pitch that turned out to be extremely beneficial against Shaw.

“That decision was made (to open with Cummins), I feel like most of this game, which has been unusual for the pink ball, it hasn’t really swung, it has been nip of that swing and Patty has been our best in that,” Paine said during a virtual conference.

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“Basically, he isn’t a huge swinger of the ball, but he nips it more of the seam both ways. Starcy (Mitchell Starc) under lights with his pace from his height, it is very difficult to pick up anyway. So, Josh was happy with that (decision), and he will play a big role for us tomorrow.”

Pained hailed the quality of India’s pace attack

Indian bowlers impressed during Australia’s first innings

The Australian team bundled out for 191 in 72.1 overs after an exceptional bowling performance by the Indians. Paine appreciated the visiting side’s pacers to put the kangaroos under pressure in the Adelaide Test.

“Yes, definitely the quality of the fast bowling is exceptional. The pink ball is probably another factor. It takes time to adjust, and it is not as easy to pick up. I will tell you, it is harder for the player,” said Paine.

“Yes, (it is) certainly not our best performance but credit to them. They (India) bowled really well, put us under pressure, we just could not get any momentum or any partnerships together, we couldn’t quite do that today, but our top order has done a good job for a fair while now.”

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