If we win the toss, we'll bat: Pat Cummins at press conference before Nagpur Test

Cummins at a presser before BGT 2023

We have just 24 hours away from the start of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and the visiting Australian sides. On the eve of the Nagpur Test, both the captain attended media in a pre-match press conference, where they hinted about their Playing XIs.

Australian skipper Pat Cummins came out to a presser where he talked about Cameron Green and Tod Murphy's availability for the first match of the series.

"Greeny is definitely out from this Test, we will check on from next week for the second Test match," Cummins commented.

"We have done it before (Played three spinners in an XI), so it's, of course, a possibility. But Greeny's exclusion makes it harder for us. Here are extreme conditions, and we may change our lineup." 

On Tuesday, Australia deputy-in-chief Steve Smith also made it official that Green won't play at Nagpur. The fast-bowling all-rounder isn't bowling fit; however, Australia aren't keen on playing him as a pure batter.

Further in the presser, the visiting skipper talked about their latest entrant to the squad.

"He's bowling beautifully in the nets over here. He has started really nicely for Victoria in First Class cricket. If he gets a nod, he'll be having Nathan Lyon (bowling) from the other end that he can work with. So, yeah, he ready; and everyone in the squad has done their preparation," the skipper added.

Cummins also mentioned their strategy for the upcoming Test match and the series beyond. Cheekily, he called David Warner's popularity much more than Virat Kohli's in India.

"If we win the toss, we'll bat (he said jokingly after laughing out loudly). If you look at India's record at home, they have won way more games batting second than they do batting first. I think that can be overstated when the conditions do spin really quickly," the seamer mentioned.

"It's funny. Sometimes you do feel the crowd. You look at David Warner walks in, and he's more popular than Virat sometimes. Ah, maybe not. Sorry, if you ask Davey, he'll say that."

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