Not worried about rhythm, reacted to Ashwin’s retirement

Australian captain Pat Cummins believes that his team’s momentum in the series is intact even after the third Test was drawn due to rain at Gabba. This match of the five-match series was lost to rain before it could reach an exciting stage. However, Cummins expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance and praised the strategy of controlling the Indian batsmen.

Don’t care about rhythm: Pat Cummins

In the press conference after the match, Cummins said that he does not think much about things like momentum.

• He said:
  

  “I can’t say that I was ever worried about rhythm. To be honest, I don’t even care about it. We learned a lot from our performance this week.”

• Australia’s strengths:
  • Scored 445 runs in the first innings.
  • India were bundled out for 260 runs on a pitch that was helpful to the batsmen.
• Cummins said:
  

  “Our team played great partnerships with the new ball and it is a source of inspiration for us.”

Reaction on Ashwin’s retirement

Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s sudden retirement announcement from international cricket shocked the cricket world.

• Cummins counted Ashwin among the “greatest players of all time”.
  

  “The news of Ashwin’s retirement was shocking. He is a fantastic player. There are very few off-spinners who have left such a lasting impression.”

• He said that the Australian team respects Ashwin a lot.
  

  “His role between India and Australia has always been important.”

Third Test interrupted by rain

Rain disrupted play several times in the Gabba Test, with players going in and out of the dressing room repeatedly.

• Cummins described it as “disappointing”, saying:
  

  “The rhythm was broken due to repeated stoppage of play. I don’t remember when this happened before. It was quite disappointing.”

Josh Hazlewood out of the series, Travis Head expected to return

• Josh Hazlewood: Has been ruled out of the rest of the series due to injury.
  

  “It is disappointing for us that Josh will no longer be able to play.”

• Travis Head: Ruled out of the third Test with a hamstring injury, but Cummins is hopeful he will be fit for the Melbourne Test (from December 26).