India vs Australia: Batting great Sunil Gavaskar believes that Pat Cummins will be the real big threat to Rohit Sharma’s side in the Test series.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 8, 2023 10:30 IST
Sunil Gavaskar feels Pat Cummins will be ‘big threat’ to India in Test series (AFP Photo)
By India Today Web Desk: Indian batting great Sunil Gavaskar believes Australia captain and pace spearhead Pat Cummins will be the real threat to the Rohit Sharma-led side in the upcoming four-match Test series, starting from February 9.
The top-ranked Test bowler in the world, Cummins, finished the 2020–21 Test series against India with the most wickets, and this year, with the added responsibility of leading the Australian team, he will try to build on his previous performance and end Australia’s 19-year drought for a Test series victory in India.
“If memory serves right, the first time he took a five-wicket haul was in the subcontinent (5/34 on debut vs Sri Lanka in Galle, August 2011). Being the top bowler that Lyon is, he will always be attacking and probing, but the real threat is likely to be the pacers. Cummins is a terrific bowler, and, as we have seen in the past when the Australians are successful, it is their pace attack that has done the damage,” Gavaskar told The Telegraph in an interview.
Gavaskar believes Josh Hazlewood’s absence will benefit India in Nagpur. Cameron Green will also miss the first Test, adding to Australia’s injury woes. He is still recovering from a finger injury.
“When the Australians are successful, it is their pace attack that has done the damage. With Josh Hazlewood likely to miss the first Test with an injury, the advantage could well lie with India,” Gavaskar said.
“Both are superb teams and in cricket, you cannot predict. But, as always, the home side starts with an advantage with the crowd support, awareness of ground, weather and pitch conditions,” Gavaskar said.
