Spinners to play a big role in India series: Cummins

The series begins in Mumbai on January 14, followed by the second and third fixtures in Rajkot (January 17) and Bengaluru (January 19) respectively. “Spinners play a bigger part in India than they do around the world. But it’s rare you get a big-spinning dust bowl for an ODI here,” said Cummins.

Australia made a brilliant comeback to win the five-match ODI series 3-2 in India last year after trailing 0-2. “Last series, I think we played two spinners. India also played two, so they are certainly important, especially in the middle-overs,” added Cummins. Australia is travelling with two specialist slow bowlers in its squad – left-arm spinner Ashton Agar and leg-spinner Adam Zampa.

Talking about the tracks in India, the 26-year-old said the ball gets softer as the game progresses and added that it makes it easier to bowl. However, he admitted playing in smaller, faster fields is a challenge.

“Up front, there’s always a little bit in the pitches with the new ball. But then after that, the ball gets probably a little bit softer and chewed up more. The fields are a lot smaller and faster than in Australia. The wickets aren’t as pacey and bouncy but it’s the same format, just a slightlydifferent beast.”