Australia’s Test captain, Pat Cummins, has announced that he will take an eight-week break to rest and prepare for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India later this year.
After his first experience playing in Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States, Cummins has decided to skip next month’s white-ball tour of the United Kingdom. This break is part of a strategic plan to manage his workload and ensure he is ready, both physically and mentally, for the demanding series ahead. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy holds special importance, as Australia has lost to India in their last two home series in 2018/19 and 2020/21.
Cummins believes that taking this time off will help him recover from any lingering physical issues and allow him to return in top form to lead Australia in this critical series. He told Fox Sports, "Everyone who takes a break comes back feeling refreshed; you never regret it." He added that he’s been bowling non-stop since the World Test Championship final nearly 18 months ago, and this break will give his body the time it needs to recover before building up again for the summer. "It means you can hopefully bowl for a bit longer, keep your pace up, and reduce the risk of injuries," he explained.
Cummins also reflected on the importance of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which is the one major title that has eluded him throughout his career. He mentioned that many players in the team haven’t won this trophy yet, and given the team's recent successes, they are determined to change that. "We’ve done some incredible things as a Test team over the last few years, and you always back yourself to win at home," Cummins said. "To be considered among the best teams, you have to succeed in these big series."
The series against India is particularly significant for Cummins, especially after India’s stunning comeback during their last tour of Australia in 2020/21. Despite being bowled out for just 36 in the first Test in Adelaide and losing key players, including then-captain Virat Kohli, India still managed to win the series 2-1, with a historic victory at the Gabba, where Australia hadn’t lost since 1989.
Cummins, who played in that series, is eager to change the outcome this time. He acknowledged that India is a strong team that Australia knows well, but he feels confident that they are well-prepared for the challenge.
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