Subhayan Chakraborty and Debasis Sen from Chennai
Australia will kickstart their ICC Men’s ODI World Cup journey by facing the hosts – India – at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 8. While the preparations for the showpiece tournament have started in full tilt for the participating team, RevSportz got an opportunity to have a brief chat with Pat Cummins, the Australia captain, ahead of the World Cup.
With the sun out in full force, Cummins was quick to mention the scorching heat in Chennai as soon as the conversation started.
“I am good, thanks. It’s good to be back in Chennai. Chennai is always good, but it’s always hot, so hot,” Cummins said in an exclusive interaction.
Since succeeding Tim Paine as the Australian captain, Cummins has impressed fans and pundits alike with his shrewd decision-making in both red and white-ball formats. When asked how he managed the responsibilities of being the lead bowler and the captain, Cummins said: “My first job as a bowler is to be at the top of my game. My second job as a captain is to make sure everything is going according to the plan, making bowling and fielding changes, giving my players the room and freedom they need. As a captain, I am never alone out there. The boys are always great and supportive.”
Australia, the five-time World Cup winners, are heading into the tournament as one of the favourites to lift the coveted trophy. Though recent results, especially in the three-match ODI series against India, didn’t go their way, one can never rule the Aussies out in a major tournament.
“It’s pretty easy,” said Cummins. “You don’t need to say anything extra to the players during big matches and tournaments, they all are real fighters and are automatically motivated during such events. Can’t wait to start the tournament after a pretty hectic couple of weeks with travel. India is always tough to play, especially in India. But I’m looking forward to starting the tournament by playing against them. It’s going to be a good game.”
Before concluding the interaction, when asked who from Australia would end up being the top scorer and wicket-taker, Cummins promptly mentioned two names: “For highest-scorer, David Warner, he always loves playing in India. For the top wicket taker, it has to be Mitchell Starc – he always does well in World Cups.”