India is nearing confirmation of its place in the Champions Trophy semi-finals, having achieved significant victories over Bangladesh and Pakistan in Dubai. Their final group match against New Zealand may serve as a mere warm-up for the knockout stage. Despite India’s success, Australia captain Pat Cummins expressed concern that playing all games in Dubai provides India with a considerable advantage. While Cummins prioritizes family and recovery from an ankle injury, Steve Smith leads Australia, who won their first game against England. Cummins praised Josh Inglis’ performance, noting his pivotal role and readiness for upcoming challenges in various formats of cricket.
India’s position in the Champions Trophy semi-final is nearly secured. Rohit Sharma and his team have been formidable thus far, achieving resounding victories over their neighbors Bangladesh and arch-rivals Pakistan last week in Dubai. Should the outcomes favor them, India’s final group match against New Zealand on Sunday may serve merely as a warm-up for both sides ahead of the knockout phase. After declining to play in Pakistan due to security concerns, India has opted to conduct their matches at the Dubai International Stadium under a hybrid model.
On the other hand, Australia captain Pat Cummins believes that playing all their games in Dubai provides India with an edge. Cummins chose to forgo the Champions Trophy to be at home for the birth of his second child – daughter Edi – while also nursing a lingering ankle injury.
“I think it’s commendable that the tournament can proceed, but it indeed gives them (India) a significant advantage playing on the same ground. They already appear quite strong, and they enjoy the clear benefit of having all their matches there,” Cummins shared with Yahoo Sport Australia.
Cummins will return to competitive cricket next month, at the helm of SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which kicks off on March 22.
Last season, Cummins led SRH all the way to the finals, where they were defeated by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
“It’s been nice to be at home with everything happening, and my ankle rehab is progressing well, so I plan to start running and bowling this week. The IPL is coming up next month, followed by the Test World Championship and a tour to the West Indies, so there’s plenty to anticipate,” Cummins said, reflecting on his choice to miss the Champions Trophy.
In his absence, Steve Smith is captaining the side. Australia won their opening game against arch-rivals England in Lahore, chasing down 352 thanks to an unbeaten 120 (86) from Josh Inglis.
Cummins spoke highly of the England-born Australian batter. “It feels like this was his breakout performance. He’s exceptionally agile against spin in the middle overs and also employs reverse ramps against fast bowling. He is pure class. Now that he has hundreds in all three formats, he has stepped up in a major tournament like the Champions Trophy. He has waited his turn, but he is ready. When it comes to the next Test match, it will be challenging to narrow down 15 players to just 11.”
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