Australian Test skipper Pat Cummins is uncertain about veteran opener David Warner's role in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final and the Ashes series. Cummins believes it remains to be seen whether Warner will open the batting in the crucial matches, given his poor average of 26.04 in Tests in England and his recent run of poor form.
Cummins said that while the bowlers can get on top with the new ball in England, openers who put pressure back on the bowlers are priceless. He added that Warner's ability to take the game to the opposition has been the hallmark of his career, and Australia needs him to put that pressure back on the bowlers in England.
Cummins was appreciative of England's resurgence in Test cricket under the captaincy of Ben Stokes and the coaching of Brendon McCullum. He said they have stuck to their method and are willing to live and die by it. However, he emphasized that Australia should focus on what they do well, rather than looking at the opposition.
Cummins, who had decided to skip the 2023 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), is currently on a break before preparing to lead Australia in the WTC final against India. He called it the biggest trophy in Test cricket, and he is proud of how the team has gone about it over the last two years to get into that position. The final begins on June 7 at The Oval.