New Delhi. Australia captain Pat Cummins understands well the challenges of debuting in Test cricket at a young age and hence he has advised 19-year-old batsman Sam Constas not to think too much and enjoy his game to the fullest. Constas, who made a place in Australia’s Test team on the basis of his excellent performance in domestic cricket, is certain to make his debut in Test cricket in the Boxing Day Test match against India.
When Cummins was asked how he felt when he made his Test debut at the age of 18, he said, “I spent some time thinking about why and how I am here and it all felt so… How did it happen so quickly? I remember being very excited and I think this week is going to be like that for Sammy Constas. If you want to stay in the game, you have to enjoy the game and not think too much. This is my message to Sammy also. “That’s really how I was feeling at 18.”
Even though Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant have not been able to perform anything special so far, the Australian team respects them completely and Cummins believes that these players can present a challenge to them in the remaining two Test matches. He said, “He is a very good player and there is no doubt that he can present a challenge for us at some stage.”
When Cummins was asked whether Australia would benefit from the poor form of Indian captain Rohit Sharma, he recalled Ajinkya Rahane’s century in Melbourne. He said, “It is very difficult to say this.” I remember that Rahane had scored a century here a few years ago. The Boxing Day Test match was always exciting. Last year the match against Pakistan was also great.
FIRST PUBLISHED: December 25, 2024, 20:07 IST