Australia’s pace attack, led by Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, has been a formidable force in recent years. However, with a grueling five-Test series against India on the horizon, Cummins anticipates a greater workload for all-rounders Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh.
In the past, Australia’s all-rounders have played a limited role in the bowling department. However, Cummins believes that this summer will be different. “I suspect this summer might be a bit different at time,” he said. “We’ll be drawing on Cam Green and Mitch Marsh a bit more.”
Green, who has taken 35 wickets in Tests, has been a revelation with the bat, scoring a magnificent 174 not out against New Zealand earlier this year. He is expected to bat at No. 4 and provide valuable overs with the ball.
Marsh, on the other hand, is a more experienced all-rounder who has played 32 Tests for Australia. He is a reliable batsman and a handy medium-pacer.
Cummins believes that having all-rounders in the top six gives Australia a significant advantage. “The first point is they both absolutely make the top six on their batting alone which is a luxury,” he said. “It makes a big difference to have that fifth bowling option. And with someone like Cam and Mitch we have six bowling options.”
The presence of all-rounders also helps manage the workload of the frontline bowlers. “It’s nice of them to say that, they’d never say it to my face,” Cummins joked. “When I’m at the top of their mark asking them to do something, they know I’m also doing it down the other end and wouldn’t ask for something I can’t do myself.”
Australia has a healthy stockpile of fast-bowling resources behind the big three, including Scott Boland, Michael Neser, Lance Morris, Xavier Bartlett, and Jhye Richardson. However, Cummins is confident that his frontline bowlers can get through the India series without any major issues.
“I’m feeling really good,” he said. “I’ve had a couple of months off bowling now, so I’m feeling fresh and ready to go.”
