Mohali, 18 September (IANS): Early Sunday morning, a short video from power hitter Tim David of Australia’s first training session ahead of the first T20I against India left enthusiastic fans on social media.
In the short video, David practiced his clean shots, mainly the slog sweep, and hit balls with a crisp sound that had everyone wondering if talk of him replicating his cleanliness could become a reality when the first game takes place on Tuesday.
The prospect of globetrotter David, who previously played 14 T20Is for Singapore, becoming the finisher and X-Factor in the wheel Australia needs en route to defending the T20 World Cup title has pacesetter Pat Cummins excited.
“Great to see Tim David getting his chance. He’s been up there with the best in the world, batting in the middle tier of T20 cricket is a really difficult place to bat. You see most run scorers open batting or batting in the top order It’s hard to be consistent when there are spin bowlers bowling and he was fantastic.
“So hopefully if he gets his chance (in the first T20I) he can continue to do what he has been doing in the domestic T20 leagues around the world. I agree, I think it’s an X Factor game) a little different, so look forward to that,” Cummins said in a virtual press conference.
Cummins had been rested at home by Australia’s recent ODIs against Zimbabwe and New Zealand. But he doesn’t feel able to rest anymore with the T20 World Championship just a month away.
“There are no firm plans at the moment, I am very keen to play quite a lot so that your game at the World Cup is ok. Also, the reality is that the World Cup is the time when you want to peak. I think we’re going to find that balance to make sure we go into the World Cup ready but not overcooked.”
Cummins also backed Captain Aaron Finch to be a key cog in the wheel for Australia in T20Is despite the loss of form that led to his retirement from ODIs. “Just regular Aaron Finch, he was great. (I) Had talked to him a bit, he said he was in a good room. Even at the ODIs, he knew it was time for him. He seems fantastic, it’s only been 12 months since he guided us to a T20 World Cup win so he’s ready to go and he’ll be a key player as he always is.”
Cummins, 29, signed by saying many in the Australian camp have already had the experience of playing in India and are aware that adapting quickly to the conditions will be extremely important.
“I think a lot of games in India are played at a different pace than Australia. The borders are usually slightly smaller. So I think you have to adapt very quickly. You’re going to have some days where the wicket is a bit slower, then cutters and things like that are really important for the bowlers.”
“Other days you have to try to defend yourself early on. So everyone here has played a lot in India and everyone understands it. It’s a format you have to be ready for (the challenge) and if it doesn’t work out that day then you have to move on quickly.”
