“Pat Cummins was absolutely delighted to have lost” - Former England captain slams Rohit Sharma’s decision to bowl in BGT 2024-25 3rd Test
Former England captain Michael Vaughan remarked that Pat Cummins was a satisfied figure after India skipper Rohit Sharma elected to bowl first at The Gabba in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar series 2024-25. The Men in Blue won their third successive toss, and contrary to their approach in the first two matches in Perth and Adelaide, opted to bowl first under overcast conditions.
The last time India and Australia faced each other in Brisbane, the hosts had opted to bat first after winning the toss. The Men in Yellow boast a dominant record at The Gabba, barring their last two appearances at the venue.
Despite the overcast conditions, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj found minimal assistance while bowling with the new ball. The opening combination of Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney were able to negotiate the opening phase by being watchful and capitalizing on the loose deliveries.
Vaughan believes Cummins was delighted at the prospect that India opted to bowl first at the toss.
“It was one of those decisions at the toss where I think Pat Cummins was absolutely delighted to have lost it. He didn’t have to make the call. Probably would have swayed on batting due to the history of this venue, but I think he was quite happy Rohit Sharma said we will have a bowl first," Vaughan told Fix Cricket (via Hindustan Times).
Former Australia pacer Brendon Julian said it was a good toss to lose for Cummins and added that there was not enough in the surface to justify Rohit's decision to bowl first.
"Good one to lose. I think the lead up to this Test was a lot of rain and when the players came out for their practice sessions before they had a look at it, it was green. But out there this morning I didn’t think it was a bowl first pitch this morning," Julian said.
Rohit Sharma's decision to bat first in Adelaide had backfired to an extent after India were bowled out for 180 inside the first couple of sessions. The Men in Blue lost the Test by 10 wickets.
Rohit Sharma and company were on the field for 13.2 overs before rain interrupted proceedings
Australia were placed at 28-0 in the 14th over when rain made its second appearance for the day and put a major halt to the proceedings. While the first rain spell dissipated in quick time, the next set of showers forced the groundsmen to bring on the covers, and for the officials to call in an early lunch on Day 1.
Bumrah has conceded only eight runs in his first spell of six overs, while Akash Deep, who replaced Harshit Rana in the playing XI, was introduced into the attack too.