Pat Cummins stresses vital role of all-rounders ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Australia's captain, Pat Cummins, has acknowledged the challenges ahead as India prepares to tour Australia for a five-match Test series. 

Unlike last summer, when the pace trio of Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc played all seven Test matches against Pakistan, West Indies, and New Zealand with minimal strain, this series is expected to be far more demanding. Cummins highlighted the importance of having reliable all-rounders like Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh to support the pace attack.

Last season, Australia's bowlers were able to stay fresh, largely because they rarely had to bowl extended spells. Only in three innings did they bowl more than 78 overs, allowing them to maintain their performance throughout the series. However, Cummins pointed out that facing India, who have defeated Australia twice at home in the last six years, will be a much tougher challenge.

The captain mentioned that with David Warner's recent retirement from Test cricket, Cameron Green has stepped in, offering an additional bowling option. Though Green's services were not extensively required last season—he bowled only 42 overs across four matches—Cummins expects this summer to be different. He anticipates relying more on both Green and Marsh to share the workload.

“It's been huge (having the allrounders). In some ways we haven't had to use them as much as we thought we would. Which is a great thing. The last couple of summers have been pretty light (with) quick Test matches,” Cummins said.

“I suspect this summer might be a bit different at time. We'll be drawing on Cam Green and Mitch Marsh a bit more. Even someone like Cam basically started in Shield cricket as a bowler but hasn't had to bowl heaps in Test matches. Now he is a few years older, I think we will be leaning on him a bit more,” he further added.

Cummins praised the contributions of Green and Marsh, emphasizing that both players could make the team on their batting alone. However, their ability to bowl adds significant value to the team, providing Australia with six bowling options when needed.

“The first point is they both absolutely make the top six on their batting alone which is a luxury. We're really lucky that Nathan Lyon bowls plenty of overs, so you don't necessarily have to have an allrounder, but it makes a big difference to have that fifth bowling option. And with someone like Cam and Mitch we have six bowling options. It's a really nice thing to have. Top six should always make the team on their batting,” he concluded.