Cummins Jokes About Excuses for Potential BGT Loss

Cummins Jokes About Excuses for Potential BGT Loss

Australian skipper Pat Cummins has jokingly revealed his excuses for a potential loss in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Speaking on The Grade Cricketer podcast, Cummins quipped, “I will find some (laughs). Cameron Green was going to open the batting and bowling.”

Green’s absence due to back surgery has disrupted Australia’s plans. The all-rounder was expected to bat at number four and provide pace bowling support. His injury has left a void in the team’s balance, forcing the management to reconsider their strategy.

Cummins acknowledged the importance of a balanced contest between bat and ball. “It feels like if someone has scored a hundred, they have batted the house down. Taken them a few sessions whereas my first couple of years, some of those wickets were so flat,” he said.

The skipper expressed his desire for wickets that challenge both batsmen and bowlers. “I think some of those Indian spinning wickets as well, I think that last tour, Delhi we should have won, it just get the teams close to each other if you get the wickets like that, but you do not listen to our players complaining about those types of wickets,” he added.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will commence on November 22 at Perth. The series will feature five Tests, with the second Test in Adelaide played under lights. The third Test will be held at The Gabba in Brisbane, followed by the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The series will conclude with the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Cricket Australia Creates New Role to Address Fast Bowler Injury Crisis

Cricket Australia Creates New Role to Address Fast Bowler Injury Crisis

Cricket Australia (CA) is implementing a new role for a national pace-bowling coach to oversee the management of fast bowlers across international and domestic programs. This move aims to prevent the spate of injuries that have plagued Australia’s quicks and ensure a more coordinated approach to their handling.

The new role, based in Brisbane, was conceived before the recent limited-overs tour of the UK, where six fast bowlers were injured and six others were unavailable. It comes amid a debate within Australian cricket about the suitability of the current contracting model for top male cricketers in the era of franchise cricket, with the management of fast bowlers being a key concern.

Daniel Vettori, Australia’s current bowling coach, will continue in that position while traveling with the team. The new role will primarily focus on managing contracted fast bowlers, as well as Under-19 and Australia A quicks. However, the successful candidate will also tour with the men’s international side at various stages.

Australia’s fast-bowling stocks have traditionally been a strength, but the reliance on Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood in all formats, coupled with recent injuries to the next generation, has highlighted the need for effective management of the next generation.

The injuries on the UK tour included side strains, soft tissue injuries, and back stress fractures, which have become common themes among Australia’s fast bowlers. Cameron Green has become the fourth Australian fast bowler to undergo significant spine surgery to stabilize vertebrae in his back and prevent future stress fractures.

The injuries led to the selection of West Australian youngster Mahli Beardman for the UK tour despite his limited experience, raising concerns among state associations. CA and the state associations have had friction over the management of fringe fast bowlers in recent years, as the demanding international schedule requires more players than ever before.

The new pace-bowling role is designed to be a central point under head coach Andrew McDonald to coordinate an approach to managing Australia’s current and next generation of quicks. It will involve performing a lead role in case management, load planning and monitoring, off-tour preparation, and individual skill development of CA-contracted pace bowlers and pace bowlers of national interest.

CA currently has nine contracted fast bowlers among a list of 23, excluding pace-bowling all-rounders. However, there is a belief within Australian cricket that the current model of offering up to 24 central contracts is outdated. Some argue that the men’s team would be better served by contracting 30-plus players initially each year and carefully tailoring their playing and preparation schedules to avoid injuries and situations like the one that arose in the UK.

Green's Absence Raises Concerns for Australia's Test Bowling Depth

Green’s Absence Raises Concerns for Australia’s Test Bowling Depth

Mitchell Starc’s absence from Australia’s Test team due to back surgery has raised concerns about the team’s bowling depth and workload management. Starc acknowledged that Green’s all-round abilities would be missed, potentially increasing the burden on the pace attack.

With Green unavailable, Australia’s selectors face a dilemma in finding a suitable replacement. The absence of an all-rounder could lead to increased bowling responsibilities for the likes of Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood.

Starc emphasized the importance of having a genuine all-rounder in the team, as it provides an extra bowling option and allows for workload management. He noted that Australia has previously played series without an all-rounder, but it requires the bowlers to take on additional responsibilities.

Starc will begin his red-ball summer against Victoria in the Sheffield Shield, alongside Steve Smith and Nathan Lyon. Hazlewood will then play in the Blues’ following match against Queensland, while Starc will be rested.

Australia’s bowlers have adopted an extended-squad approach, recognizing the potential for workload management issues. Starc highlighted the importance of considering factors such as the length of the series, the duration of matches, and the conditions of the wickets.

Despite the challenges posed by Green’s absence, Starc expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt. He praised the talent and work ethic of NSW prodigy Sam Konstas, suggesting that he could potentially handle the demands of Test cricket if called upon.

Mitchell Marsh to Return to Bowling in Shield Round Amid Green's Absence

Mitchell Marsh to Return to Bowling in Shield Round Amid Green’s Absence

Mitchell Marsh, the versatile Australian all-rounder, is set to return to bowling in the upcoming Sheffield Shield round as he prepares to fill the void left by Cameron Green’s absence during the India Test series.

Green’s season-ending stress fracture has heightened the significance of Marsh’s fitness and bowling capabilities. Since suffering a hamstring injury during the IPL, Marsh has bowled only four overs, raising concerns about his ability to withstand the rigors of bowling.

However, Marsh has expressed confidence in his physical condition and is gradually increasing his bowling workload. He will bowl for Western Australia against Tasmania in the Shield fixture starting on Sunday at the WACA.

“I won’t bowl too much for WA, it’s all part of the building process to get ready for that first Test,” Marsh said. “It’s been a slow build. I’ve been really well looked after by Cricket Australia, Ronnie [Australia coach Andrew McDonald] and Patty [Pat Cummins], with our planning and when I bowl.”

With Australia’s frontline pace attack unchanged last summer and Tests played on bowler-friendly surfaces, Marsh was not heavily relied upon with the ball. However, the expectation is that the five-Test series against India will be more grueling, making Marsh’s ability to provide support crucial.

While some have suggested that Marsh could move to the top of the order as an opener, he has dismissed that notion, emphasizing his focus on contributing as an allrounder.

“I see the allrounder role as being really important, especially for when our bowlers need a bit of a break,” Marsh said. “I think if you look back at the last few seasons, our allrounders have bowled maybe 10 to 13 overs a game, which is not really a lot.”

“But those 10 to 13 overs can be really important. So for me, it’s about preparing to bowl as much as I can, as much as Patty needs me to.”

Marsh expressed his disappointment for Green, who is expected to be sidelined for six months.

“From all reports he’s pretty good, initially there is always a shock. It all happened pretty quickly,” he said. “Certainly with stress fractures they can be quite a gradual thing, but this one came pretty quickly.”

“Someone like Cam with his attitude towards the game, he loves it. The thought of missing that much cricket is probably a little daunting for him, but he’s accepted it now and as an athlete you go through these things.”

“It’s an opportunity for him to come back better and I have no doubt that he will.”

Steven Smith Returns to No. 4 as Australia's Test Opener Experiment Ends

Steven Smith Returns to No. 4 as Australia’s Test Opener Experiment Ends

Steven Smith’s brief stint as an opener in Australia’s Test team has come to an end, with the former captain expressing a desire to return to his previous position at No. 4. While the move to open was initially met with criticism, it has sparked a debate about the potential consequences of denying Smith’s request.

Smith’s decision to open the batting was driven by a desire for a fresh challenge and a belief that he could contribute more to the team in that role. Despite initial resistance from the captain and coach, Smith’s persistence led to the team hierarchy agreeing to accommodate his request.

However, Smith’s performance as an opener has been mixed. While he made a match-winning 174 not out in New Zealand, his overall average of 28.50 across eight innings was below his usual standards. This has led to questions about whether the move was a success or a failure.

Despite his modest average, Smith’s performance as an opener was comparable to that of other openers in the same conditions. Usman Khawaja, Tom Latham, and Will Young all averaged less than 35 in the same four Tests. Additionally, Smith’s move to open allowed Cameron Green to bat at No. 4, where he made a significant impact.

The decision to move Smith back to No. 4 has potential implications for the team leadership. The new opener will feel pressure to prove themselves, knowing that they were not the first choice. A bolt from the blue like Sam Konstas could provide a clean slate, but it would also raise questions about Green’s future in the team.

Ultimately, Smith’s time as a Test opener will likely be a footnote in his storied career. However, it has raised important questions about the role of player input in team selection and the consequences of denying a player’s request for a change.

Australia's Pace Attack Faces Scrutiny Ahead of India Series

Australia’s Pace Attack Faces Scrutiny Ahead of India Series

Australia’s pace attack, comprising Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, has been a formidable force in recent Test matches. However, with the upcoming five-match series against India looming, selectors are considering their options in light of allrounder Cameron Green’s absence due to injury.

Last summer, the trio played in all nine Tests, aided by bowler-friendly conditions. However, India’s formidable batting lineup poses a different challenge, raising concerns about whether Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood can maintain their workload throughout the grueling series.

Australia’s pace depth has been tested, with several fringe bowlers recovering from injuries. Lance Morris, a regular squad member, recently suffered a quad strain but is expected to return before the end of the month. Scott Boland and Michael Neser have overcome niggles and will participate in Australia A’s upcoming red-ball series against India A.

Selectors acknowledge that last summer’s unchanged pace attack may have been an outlier and are prepared to make adjustments if necessary. The triumvirate’s workload could increase with Green’s absence, but Mitchell Marsh may be required to fill the void despite limited bowling since his hamstring injury.

If selectors opt for a like-for-like replacement, Aaron Hardie and Beau Webster are potential candidates. Hardie is set to return from injury for Western Australia’s next match, while Webster has impressed with his all-round abilities.

Selectors emphasize that having an allrounder is a luxury rather than a necessity, as the current pace trio has performed well without one. However, they will continue to prepare Marsh to bowl some overs.

Australia’s hierarchy has carefully managed the workloads of their quicks ahead of the India series, with Cummins missing the white-ball England tour to rest. Cummins is unlikely to play a Shield game before the series, while Hazlewood and Starc are expected to feature in at least one match.

Cameron Green Ruled Out of India Test Series with Spine Injury

Cameron Green Ruled Out of India Test Series with Spine Injury

Cameron Green’s Spine Injury Rules Him Out of India Test Series

Australian all-rounder Cameron Green will miss the upcoming five-Test series against India due to a spine injury that requires surgery this week. The 25-year-old experienced back pain during Australia’s ODI tour of England in September and was immediately sent home for further evaluation.

According to Cricket Australia, Green has a unique defect in an area adjacent to the fracture that is believed to be contributing to the injury. After thorough consultation, it was determined that surgery would be the best course of action to stabilize the defect and reduce the risk of future recurrence.

The recovery time for Green is expected to be around six months, which means he will not only miss the India series but also the Test tour of Sri Lanka in February and the ICC Champions Trophy tournament. Cricket Australia emphasized that the decision to proceed with surgery was made with Green’s long-term future as an all-rounder in mind.

Green’s absence will be a significant loss for the Australian team, as he has been a valuable fifth bowling option alongside Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon. In his 28 Test appearances, Green has taken 35 wickets and scored 1,377 runs, including a remarkable 174 not out against New Zealand in March, showcasing his abilities as a pure batsman.

The injury to Green is a blow to Australia’s hopes of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India. The all-rounder has been in excellent form in recent months, scoring a century in the first Test against the West Indies in Perth and taking five wickets in the second Test in Adelaide.

Australia will now have to find a replacement for Green in their squad for the India series. The most likely candidate is all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who has been in good form for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield.

Cameron Green to Miss Summer of Cricket with Lower Spine Surgery

Cameron Green to Miss Summer of Cricket with Lower Spine Surgery

Cameron Green, Australia’s promising all-rounder, has been diagnosed with a fifth stress fracture in his lower back, necessitating lower spine surgery. The injury is expected to sideline him for at least six months, ruling him out of the upcoming summer of cricket.

Green’s injury is a significant setback for Australia, who were counting on him to play a key role in the upcoming Test series against India, the tour of Sri Lanka, and the Champions Trophy. The 23-year-old has been a consistent performer for Australia in recent years, averaging over 30 with the bat and 25 with the ball in Test cricket.

The surgery that Green will undergo has been successful for many players in the past, including Jason Behrendorff, James Pattinson, and Matt Henry. However, the recovery time can be lengthy, with most players taking at least nine months to return to full fitness.

Cricket Australia’s medical staff are baffled by how Green’s latest injury occurred, as they have been carefully managing his workload in recent years. Green has a history of stress fractures in his lower back, with four previous injuries occurring during his junior days and in 2019.

Despite his injury history, Green has been a key player for Australia in all three formats of the game. He has played 18 Tests, 13 ODIs, and 10 T20Is for his country, scoring over 1,000 runs and taking over 50 wickets across all formats.

Green’s absence will be a major blow to Australia’s hopes of success in the upcoming summer of cricket. The team will be hoping that he can make a full recovery and return to the international stage as soon as possible.

Cameron Green's Injury Opens Door for Cameron Bancroft's Test Recall

Cameron Green’s Injury Opens Door for Cameron Bancroft’s Test Recall

Cameron Green’s injury has cast a shadow over Australia’s preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. The all-rounder’s absence could pave the way for Cameron Bancroft’s Test recall, according to former skipper Mark Taylor.

Green has been ruled out of the five-match series due to a stress fracture in his lower back. The 25-year-old has a history of back injuries, having suffered four stress fractures in the past. However, he had been clear of any issues since 2019.

Green’s absence will force Australia to reshuffle their batting order. Taylor believes that Steve Smith will move back to his preferred number four spot, leaving the opening position vacant.

“I’d love to see a right-handed opening batsman get the opportunity,” Taylor said. “And to me at the moment … I would have Bancroft penciled in alongside (Usman) Khawaja.”

Bancroft has been in impressive form in the Sheffield Shield, topping the run-scoring charts for the past two years. He has also served a nine-month ban for his role in the 2018 ball-tampering incident.

Taylor also suggested that young opener Sam Konstas could be included in the Test squad. Konstas has scored back-to-back centuries against South Australia in the Sheffield Shield.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series will begin on November 22 in Perth. Australia will be looking to retain the trophy after winning the previous edition in 2020-21.

Cameron Green's Back Injury Draws Sympathy from Pat Cummins

Cameron Green’s Back Injury Draws Sympathy from Pat Cummins

Australia’s Test and ODI captain, Pat Cummins, has expressed his empathy for teammate Cameron Green, who is currently sidelined with back stress fractures. Green has opted for surgery to stabilize his condition, unlike Cummins, who chose not to undergo surgery for a similar issue.

Cummins acknowledged the challenges faced by the 25-year-old all-rounder, who aspires to excel in both batting and bowling. “Really sympathetic,” Cummins told The Sydney Morning Herald. “We want him bowling, Cam wants to be bowling, and he has a long career ahead of him. So it’s about trying to place Cam the cricketer in the best position he can be to have the career that he’s hoping for. He’s young, so I’m sure he’ll be right in the long run.”

Cummins highlighted the inherent risks of fast bowling, acknowledging the injuries that often accompany the pursuit of speed. “Bowling and trying to bowl fast is unfortunately fraught with injuries. In some ways, the hardest thing is missing cricket and seeing games go by that you could have been part of, but also it can be a pretty lonely way back,” Cummins noted.

Reflecting on the rehabilitation process, Cummins said, “You don’t just set the clock and suddenly, you’re back. There is a bit of work to get back, rehabbing and building up as well. It’s always a challenge.”

Understanding Green’s predicament, Cummins added, “It looks like Greeny is going to have that situation, which is not uncommon for him unfortunately, so he knows what needs to be done, but that doesn’t make it any easier.”

Cummins’ words underscore the support within the Australian team for Green as he navigates this challenging period in his career, aiming to return stronger and continue contributing as a key player for the team.

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