Having the experience of Pakistan and Sri Lanka last year has put us in really good stead for India: Pat Cummins

Australia concluded their three-match Test series against South Africa on Sunday, January 8, and will now be preparing for the next assignment- the Border Gavaskar Trophy. It will be the last assignment of the WTC cycle for both India and Australia when they lock horns in the four-match Test series scheduled in February-March 2023. Australia presently dominate the WTC rankings with a point percentage of 75.56%, followed by India at 58.93%.

After defeating South Africa 2-0 in the just-finished three-match Test series, Australia is almost certain to make it to the World Test Championship final. However, India's chances heavily depend on how Rohit Sharma and his men perform in the four Test matches. If India manages to win three out of the four games, they’ll make their way into the finals for the second consecutive time.

Australia haven’t defeated India while touring, since the 2004-05 series. Since then, Team India has been successful in preserving their territory, giving the Aussies just one Test victory. However, Australian skipper Pat Cummins feels confident going into their next trip to India. He stated that the team would draw on its previous experience playing in subcontinental circumstances against Pakistan and Sri Lanka to adjust well in India.

“I think we’re as good a chance as we’re ever going to be. It was another fantastic summer. I feel like we’re adapting really well. Having the experience of Pakistan and Sri Lanka last year has put us in really good stead for India. No one is going over there blind. We’ll use the next few weeks to reflect on the next 12 months and then get over there really refreshed and eager,” Cummins was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

Ashton Agar will absolutely be there: Cummins

The Australian skipper also shed some light on this month's team selection. Cummins indicated choosing Ashton Agar in addition to seasoned player Nathon Lyon, citing the spin-friendly grounds in India. The Australia skipper supported Agar despite the fact that he did not get a wicket in the Sydney Test against South Africa.

“A left-arm orthodox, he’ll (Ashton Agar) absolutely be there. It wasn’t an audition at all. I thought he did really well. There were 800 runs and three wickets for spin during the game. It wasn’t easy for him but I thought he did his role well. Hoping it would have broken up a bit more, and spun a bit more. It probably wasn’t a classic India wicket we would have expected,” he added.

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