For the “major” series in India the following month, Australia captain Pat Cummins wants everything at his “disposal,” and in addition to frontline spinner Nathan Lyon, he believes Ashton Agar and Travis Head will be crucial to the team’s bowling plans.
In the “big series” against India, Cummins aims to cover all the bases
Australia, who defeated South Africa 2-0 in the Test series here, is preparing for the four-match Border-Gavaskar series, which will begin on February 9 in Nagpur.
“I believe that our team will have pretty much every option. We need to use every tool at our disposal because this series is important, Cummins remarked following the game.
With the Indian visit in mind, Agar had been selected for the last Test against South Africa. The 29-year-old bowler, though, failed to pick up a wicket in the drawn Test and surrendered 58 runs in his 22 overs.
But because he is a left-arm spinner, he may be useful against the right-handed-heavy Indian top order as Rishabh Pant, a southpaw, will be absent from the series owing to injuries received in a vehicle accident last month.
Ash, a left-arm orthodox, will be there. He will undoubtedly attend,” It was not at all an audition (for the India tour). Compared to India, this wicket is a little bit different since it wasn’t really spinning out of the middle.
“Occasionally, even from the center of the wicket, an Indian wicket truly breaks up, making a left-arm orthodox pitcher slightly more efficient against right-handed batters. He performed admirably, in my opinion, Cummins said.
Although Nathan Lyon will lead the spin team in India, Cummins believes Head will be equally important.
“Trav is an off-spin bowler who is a little bit flatter than Nath (Lyon), which may be incredibly useful over there. I think Head has under-bowled him even in this game, which makes me quite satisfied with the way he has bowled.
So, he’ll play a significant role on our squad there.
The captain is also banking on part-time spinners Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne to contribute in the area of slow bowling.
“Over there, if you choose two spinners, you assume it’s going to be a spinning pitch, and Travis Head, Marnus, and Smudge (Smith) all come into it a little bit more.
“Typically, if you choose two spinners, you don’t anticipate it to be a really drawn-out five-day game, and we have other resources there anyhow.
Cameron Green, an all-rounder, is anticipated to be ready for the India tour after missing the Sydney test due to a fractured finger.
Cam Green bats in position six, so having three fast bowlers is already a bit of a luxury, according to Cummins.
He demonstrated his talent by taking five wickets at the MCG, so there are no hesitations in selecting him because you know what quality you’ll get.