After a 2-0 victory over South Africa in the Test series here, Australia are gearing up for the four-match Border Gavaskar Series, which starts in Nagpur on 9 February.
Australian skipper Pat Cummins wants it all in the ‘availability’ of next month’s ‘big’ series in India, alongside front-line spinner Nathan Lyon and Ashton Ager. Travis Head also considers it important to the team’s bowling plans.
After his 2–0 victory over South Africa in the Test series here, Australia is gearing up for his four-match borders Gavaskar series, which starts in Nagpur on 9 February.
“I think our team has basically every chance. It’s a big series, so we want to get everything right away,” Cummins said after the game.
Agar was called up for the final friendly against South Africa and had a trip to India in mind. However, in the 22 overs he bowled, the 29-year-old allowed 58 runs and went wicketless in a draw Test.
However, as a left-handed spinner, he was able to prove effective against India’s Top Order, which is dominated by right-handers.
“Ash will be there, Left Arm Orthodox…he will definitely be there.”
“Indian wickets can break even from the middle of the wicket, and left-arm orthodoxes are slightly more effective against right-handed racquets. I think he did really well,” Cummins added.
Nathan Lyon will lead the Spin division in India, but Cummins believes Head will also be important.
“Trav is a slightly different off-spin bowler than Nath (Lyon) and is a little bit flatter so he could really help there. So he will be a big part of the team over there,” he added. The skipper also expects part-time spinners Marnus Rabchagne and Steve Smith to join the slow bowling division.
“If you pick two spinners there, I think it’s going to be a pretty spinning wicket, but Travis Head, Marnus and Smudge (Smith) all play a bit more together. In general, if you pick two spinners, Don’t expect it to be a five day long game.
All-rounder Cameron Green missed his test in Sydney with a broken finger but is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the India tour.
“Cam Green’s at-bat is his six, so he has three fast bowlers, which is a bit of a luxury,” Cummins said. “He showed the class (5 wickets at the MCG) so I have no qualms picking him. I know what I’m getting and the quality of it.”