AUS vs IND 2024: Pat Cummins, Jasprit Bumrah advocate for pacers being captains

Jasprit Bumrah had previously said that he wishes to lead the Indian side. The right-arm pacer held the captaincy reigns in the reschedule match against England in 2022 and also led the Indian T20I side against Ireland. But the pacer has only been the vice-captain of the side in Tests since then. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 scheduled to commence from November 22, he will be leading the side in the first Test.

India captain, Rohit Sharma has cited personal reasons and has opted out of the Perth Test. In his absence, Bumrah is poised to lead the side. Pat Cummins, also a pacer and the permanent Test captain of Australia, welcomed the aspect of fast bowlers leading the sides. He also added that this development should “happen more”.

Also Read: ‘It is an honour’ - Jasprit Bumrah reflects on leading India in first BGT Test

"Yeah, great to see. Should happen more. The New Zealand series last year was good with Tim Southee as captain as well... It’s one of those rare things. Looking forward to seeing how he goes about his work out there, but as a fan of fast bowling, it’s always good to see [pacers leading],” Cummins said during the pre-match press conference in Perth ahead of the first Test. 

Cummins' counterpart Bumrah echoed similar sentiments, stating that bowlers are "tactically better" and should lead more often. “I have always advocated for pacers being captains. They are tactically better. Pat (Cummins) has done a phenomenal job. There are a lot of models in the past as well. Kapil Dev and a lot of other captains in the past. Hopefully, a start of a new tradition,” Bumrah said.

We didn't our all-rounders to bowl a lot of overs: Cummins 

Mitchell Marsh has not been bowling quite often. The all-rounder did not bowl much in the World Cup 2023, but was given an extended spell in the final against India. With the crucial India series hovering around, Cummins added that Marsh will be handed the cherry in the Test series for sure. He also iterated that with four pacers in the lineup, much workload on the all-rounders will be looked after.

"He'll definitely bowl in this Test. He's an all rounder. With four pacers, we didn't our all rounders to bowl a lot of overs. He has been bowling well at the nets," Cummins spoke of Marsh.

Here's Cummins' comments on Marsh's bowling: