Cummins 'happy' with first-change role, backs fellow pacers

The 25-year-old claimed nine scalps and scored 80 runs during the third Test, which included a terrific six-wicket haul in India's second innings and a 114-ball 63 in Australia's second, but despite his heroic efforts the hosts fell to a 137-run defeat to go 2-1 down in the series.

His strong performance with the bat and ball poses an interesting question for the Australia management: should Cummins be promoted up the batting and bowling order? The man himself does not think so.

“[I am] happy operating first change,” Cummins said. “Starcy and Joshy probably present a better seam and swing the ball a bit more than me so wherever they need me I am happy. I think they are doing a good job there.

“I’m pretty happy at No.8. It’s a bit easier when I walk in and the bowlers have already bowled a few spells and the ball is a bit older. It’s a much tougher job at the top of the order.”

Cummins will go into the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground with heaps of confidence, not just because of his good form, but also because of his sensational performance at the same venue last year, when he claimed 8/119 against England in the 2017/18 Ashes.

“I absolutely loved last year,” the fast bowler added. “It was my first Test at the SCG. [I] picked up Man of the Match and had all my friends and family there and we won the series 4-0. I’ve got great memories there and I can’t wait to get out there.

“We’ll see what happens. We’ve always got a pretty good record at the SCG.”