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Pat Cummins admits Australia is embracing the opportunity to cement its legacy as a generational team ahead of the battle to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar trophy.
Since taking over as captain ahead of the Ashes three years ago, Cummins has led Australia to the top of the Test rankings.
Despite beating India in last year’s World Test Championship final, Australia hasn’t won a Test series against its modern rivals in almost a decade.
Only Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon and Steve Smith remain from the squad that won 2-0 in Australia in the 2014-15 summer.
Cummins debuted in 2011, but injuries prevented him from playing another Test until 2017 — a 2-1 series defeat in India.
“It’s kind of one of the last things to tick off for a lot of us,” the star Australian quick said ahead of Friday’s first Test at Optus Stadium in Perth.
“Almost every challenge that we’ve had thrown at us over the last few years we’ve stepped up and done well.
“To do that for another year, another home summer, would kind of cement this.
“Rather than just being a two or three-season thing, it’s suddenly into a half generation thing.”
Australia couldn’t be more prepared for the challenge, making just one change — Nathan McSweeney in for the injured Cameron Green — from its previous Test back in March.
Star veteran Steve Smith shifts back to number four, where Green had been batting, while McSweeney will open on Test debut despite not having done it in the Sheffield Shield.
“It’s basically been the same side for the last two or three years,” Cummins said.
“The week leading in is very normal. It’s all very relaxed. Everyone knows how they need to prepare.
“One of the strengths of our team is not only the consistency, but how well everyone gets on and how much we love playing together.”
Stand-in Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah doesn’t believe the tourists are undercooked heading into the series opener in Perth. (AAP Photos: Dean Lewins)
It is a sharp contrast to India, which will be without captain Rohit Sharma (parental leave) and fellow star batter Shubman Gill (thumb).
Reports out of India suggest the tourists are considering leaving out star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
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India is also coming off a historic 3-0 home whitewash thrashing by New Zealand, placing significant pressure on under-performing stars such as Virat Kohli.
Jasprit Bumrah takes on the captaincy for this Test with Sharma expected to return for the second match of the series in Adelaide.
Bumrah said India had settled on its bowling line-up, but would wait until the toss on Friday to reveal its XI.
The fast bowler, who has starred on India’s last two successful tours of Australia, refuted suggestions his team is unprepared.
“When we came here (back in 2020-21), we got less time than this, and we ended up winning the series,” Bumrah said.
“We always believe and have confidence in our side whenever we play, whatever the situation might be.”
AAP
