Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, is preparing for the highly anticipated five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India after a disappointing nine-wicket loss to Pakistan in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval. Pakistan’s fast bowler Haris Rauf’s impressive five-wicket haul dismantled the Australian batting lineup, restricting them to a mere 163 runs in 35 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s three wickets for 26 runs in eight overs further showcased Pakistan’s fast-bowling dominance on the seam-friendly Australian pitches.
In response, Pakistan’s openers, Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, provided a solid foundation with a 137-run partnership. Ayub, in particular, displayed his attacking prowess, scoring 82 runs off 71 balls, including six sixes and five fours. Spinner Adam Zampa claimed the only wicket for Pakistan, dismissing Ayub in the 21st over. Babar Azam (15 not out) and Shafique (64 not out) guided Pakistan to a resounding nine-wicket victory, leveling the three-match series 1-1.
Australia will be without several key players, including Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith, for the series decider in Perth on Sunday. Cummins, who bowled seven wicketless overs, acknowledged Australia’s shortcomings, particularly in batting. “We should have done better and scored more than 160,” he said.
In Cummins’ absence, wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis will lead the side in Perth as the BGT-bound squad shifts its focus to the red-ball format. “We have a week at home. Good training sessions needed, mind now switches to the red ball,” Cummins said.
The first Test between India and Australia will commence in Perth on November 22.
