Pat Cummins believes that David Warner and Steve Smith's return will boost Australia's chances

Australia vice-captain Pat Cummins feels that David Warner and Steve Smith’s availability will help the Aussies in the ICC World Championship series against the Men in Blue. Cummins recently admitted that the Men in Yellow were outplayed by India in their most recent Test encounter. This time, Cummins feels that Australia will pose more threat to the Indians because of their batting firepower. With the likes of Smith, Labuschagne, and Head, Australia will be confident going on in the 1st Test series.

Furthermore, Cummins felt that Warner and Smith’s availability could prove to be the turning point in the series. The duo’s addition would result in a perfect blend of experience and youth. 

When it comes to tests, both Smith and Warner have wreaked havoc when in form. Smith is the no 1 ranked Test batsmen with 7227 runs in his Test career. Warner has 7244 runs to his name, with a career-best of 335 in his test career.

Smith and Warner were both outstanding against India in the limited-overs series. Smith bagged two centuries in the ODI series against India. Warner, on the other hand, was a thorn against India, putting up superb knocks against the Men in Blue. However, Warner got injured in the 3rd ODI. He was therefore omitted from the T20I squad and is also rested for the 1st Test against India. Warner is working on his recovery and might be fully fit to participate in the remaining Test matches.

It's upon the captains to manage when to bat and to bowl - Pat Cummins

The Indian side will contest its 1st overseas day-night match against Australia on 17th December. The Aussies have mostly dominated all their opponents when it comes to the pink-ball test format.

Australian bowler Pat Cummins also has enjoyed a fair amount of success in the Test format. In 30 Tests, Cummins has scalped a total of 143 wickets. Cummins also boasts an excellent bowling average of 21.8. In his Test career, Cummins has 5 five-wicket hauls to his name.

Cummins recently expressed his views regarding the upcoming pink-ball encounter. He felt that at times, a Test match feels like an ODI. It's because the ball doesn’t swing or seam. Suddenly, out of the blue, the ball starts zipping. All in all, he stated that it is the captain’s decision to decide when to bet and when to bowl. The 1st Test will take the stage on 17th December. It will be quite interesting to see how Kohli and co fare in the pink ball encounter.

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