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'Age Is Just A Number' - Pat Cummins Backs 19-Year-Old As Opener For BGT 2024-25

Pat Cummins will lead Australia in BGT 2024 (Source: @WisdenCricket/X.com)Pat Cummins will lead Australia in BGT 2024 (Source: @WisdenCricket/X.com)

The much-awaited Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia is all set to start on November 22 with the opening Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Ahead of the series, there is lot of debate in the Australian cricketing circles on who who will accompany Usman Khawaja as an opener. There are plenty of senior names in the race like Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, but a 19-year-old Sam Konstas has caught the attention of one and all.

He has hit two hundreds and one fifty in just six first-class matches so far, and there are people backing him to be fast-tracked into the Test side. However, there is a school of thought that wants selectors to be patient and not force him early into the national set-up as he is too young and inexperienced. 

Pat Cummins Opens Up On Benefits Of Young Age

However, Pat Cummins, during the launch of his book, 'Tested' has mentioned that young age should not be considered as a disadvantage. He added that there are benefits of being young as one comes with no baggage and there is usually great form behind your selection and that can help at the international level.

"Age is just a number. When you’re young, you don’t have a lot of experience to draw on. But at the same time, there are loads more benefits because you’ve got no baggage and there’s an element of naivety. If you’re picked and you’re young, that usually means that you’re running hot and you’re in great form. If you’re scoring well in domestic cricket, then that stands up for any kind of thing that you’re going to get thrown at you in Test cricket."

Cummins also stated that he has spent some time with the young cricketer and has found him impressive. He added that the two A-side games ahead of the series where Sam Konstas will get a chance to open the innings will provide clearer picture and it could pave way for final selection.

“Whoever we pick, I’m sure they’ll be ready. He seems great. I’ve spent a little bit of time with him and he’s impressive, he’s a great kid. He’s obviously scored some runs which has put his name right up there, and that’s great. We’ve got two more Aussie A games and another Shield round before selectors need to pick that first Test side, so we’ll see how the next few weeks play out.”

The five-match Test series is an important one for both India and Australia as the race for the WTC final heats up. India currently hold the Border Gavaskar Trophy, but they would be under pressure in Australia after a series loss at home to New Zealand.