BGT 2023: Australia Can Cope Without Cummins and Warner, Reckons Peter Handscomb
Warner ruled out of the India Test tour [AP Photos]
Australia's middle order batter, Peter Handscomb reckons that the absence of Pat Cummins and David Warner will affect the team's combination for the third Test, but the return of Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green brings an exciting prospect.
Pat Cummins flew back home after the culmination of the Delhi Test due to personal reasons and won't be coming back for the Indore Test, starting March 1. In his absence, Steve Smith will take charge of the Australian side.
On the other hand, Warner suffered from concussion and a fractured elbow, and is ruled out of the remainder of the series.
Despite playing well in bits and pieces, Australia currently trail in the series, and will be looking for an improved performance in the next Test match. However, the return of Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green from their respective finger injuries will boost the squad against a resurgent Indian side.
What Handscomb said?
"They're two world-class players and Pat's our captain as well, so it's definitely going to make it tougher. It's going to be a big loss not having those two," Handscomb said.
"But we've got all the information we need... We've got the training and the facilities that we need to be ready to go for Indore and Ahmedabad. Starc is coming back from injury and Green is coming back from injury. We've got a couple of big ins potentially, so there's that exciting part as well," the Aussie batter added.
It has been tough going for Australia in the ongoing series. Todd Murphy was also injured in the second Test match, but will be fit enough to take part in the Indore Test.
Smith has a tough task ahead of him. He led Australia on their previous India tour in 2017, and managed to win the first Test in Pune, but were eventually outplayed 2-1 by India.
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 "Anurag Dasgupta")
