‘Have a point to prove’ - Australia captain Pat Cummins issues a strong statement ahead of ODI series against England

Following their early elimination from the T20 World Cup, the Australian team had enough time to reflect on their failures and will now aim to bring back the lost glory when they take on England in a three-match ODI series starting on Thursday, November 17.

Pat Cummins will be leading the Kangaroos after Aaron Finch’s retirement from the 50-overs format and on the eve of the match, the 29-year-old revealed how Australia have a point to prove in the series. The five-time world champions played some poor cricket recently and now, it’s time to make amends as Australia aim to begin their preparation for the 2023 ODI World Cup.

On top of that, seeing their arch-rivals England winning the T20 World Cup in their backyard was a hard pill to swallow for the Aussies. Thus their captain aims nothing but to win the series, especially when their opponent is riding high on confidence.

“Yeah, I think you always have a point to prove, especially playing here in Australia. We want to win every series we play, we probably expect that. The core of this squad was part of that T20 side so ... it's a different format, but we probably didn't play as well as we know we can and this gives us an opportunity straight away to play against the best,” the captain said on the eve of their match against England.

“They might be a little bit short on sleep, but they're a class side. They're riding high. They obviously had a great T20 campaign and they will be strong,” he added. 

English keeper-batter Sam Billings lauds Australia ahead of their series

Even though the Australian team are currently going through a lean patch, England's wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings isn’t ready to take Australia lightly. The 31-year-old is aware of Australia’s strength on their home turf and lauded them for their squad depth ahead of the ODI series.

“We know Australia are going to be a phenomenal outfit, they always are in terms of their depth in home conditions,” the cricketer said.

“For me, and for the other guys who haven't been around the squad in the last month or so, it's a huge opportunity to stake a claim and get back into more prominent roles in that side,” Billings added when he was asked his role in the England set-up.