cricket

Updated: Feb 27, 2019 09:11 IST

Bowling in Indian conditions at arguably the strongest batting line-up in cricket would only help Australia as they seek a sixth World Cup title in England, according to pace bowler Pat Cummins.

Australia face India in their second Twenty20 international later on Wednesday in Bengaluru before a five-match one-day series with both sides deep in preparation for the May 30-July 14 tournament in England and Wales.

Also Read: MS Dhoni form in Bengaluru a cause of concern for Australia in 2nd T20I

While India’s dry and low-bounce wickets are typically not going to be similar to the green-topped pitches Cummins and his fellow fast bowlers can expect to assist them in Britain, the 25-year-old said wear and tear could see the blocks in England play similarly towards the end of the tournament.

“The conditions will be different here than they will be in the World Cup,” Cummins told reporters. “(But) there are a lot of games at the World Cup.

“So by the end ... the wickets might be a bit more tired and spin a bit more like the Indian wickets.

“(But) I think playing cricket anywhere is good preparation.”

Virat Kohli’s India are likely to enter the World Cup as co-favourites with hosts England, having secured a thumping 4-1 series victory in New Zealand without appearing to get out of second gear and Cummins recognised facing the two-time champions would be perfect for his side’s preparations.

“Challenging yourself against the world’s best batsmen, seeing how they go about it, seeing what works in these conditions will be pretty transferable to the World Cup,” Cummins said.

“As bowlers if you can take wickets in the middle overs, especially against a really good lineup on wickets that are not as bowler friendly then that will put us in great stead for the World Cup.”

The right-hander, who has battled a litany of injuries that have stalled his career since making his debut as an 18-year-old, has been in superb form in Australia and become their most consistent bowler despite bowling first change.

Also Read: India’s predicted XI for 2nd T20I – Two changes expected

He was awarded the Allan Border medal as Australia’s best male cricketer last year and risen to number one in the world test rankings, but said he was still working on things with the white ball in India.

“I haven’t played too much white ball cricket and it is different from red ball cricket because that swings around a bit more,” he added.

“I think I still have a lot more to learn in terms of taking wickets with the white ball and death bowling, things I haven’t done too much of lately.

(But) I’m really happy with the way my game is going at the moment. So many different things seemed to have fallen into place ... and I’m feeling very confident.”