Australia skipper Pat Cummins has quashed rumours of divide in the team. He has insisted there’s a “great feeling” in the camp ahead of the Adelaide Pink Ball Test. Addressing media speculation sparked by Josh Hazlewood’s recent comments, Cummins clarified that the team remains united and focused on their preparation.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Cummins brushed off suggestions of disharmony, stating, “Yeah, look, the team’s great. Some commentators got that 100 percent wrong. We’ve prepared like we always do, getting around each other. It’s a great feeling around the team. We don’t make too much of these rumours.”
The speculation began during the Perth Test when Hazlewood made a comment that raised eyebrows. On Day 3, he said, “You probably have to ask one of the batters that question. I’m just relaxing and trying to get some physio, looking ahead to the next Test.”
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Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist weighed in during Fox Sports coverage, admitting the statement could hint at a “potentially divided change room,” though he acknowledged he might be overanalyzing it. Following all this, news came that Hazlewood had been ruled out of the second game owing to injury. This further raised speculation of team divide in Australia.
Australia Announce Playing XI for Pink Ball Test
On Thursday, Australia announced their playing XI of the Adelaide Test. They confirmed one change. Hazlewood was dropped from the squad owing to injury. However, Scott Boland was added to the squad as an extra seam bowling option. Boland has represented Australia in 10 Tests and taken 35 wickets.
Australia lost the First Test to India in Perth. Despite being bowled out for 150 in their first innings, India roared back to defeat Australia by 295 runs in Perth. The result was particularly impressive, coming after India’s 0-3 series loss to New Zealand at home.
The second Test, a day-night affair, will begin in Adelaide on December 6.
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