Australian captain Pat Cummins gave a stern warning about using "bouncer barrage" to trouble the Indian batters in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy which will be played at the Gabba in Brisbane. However, star Indian batter Shubman Gill dismissed the danger and even made a subtle jab at Cummins's strategy in a calm and assured manner.
"Apart from one wicket, he's only had success with the short ball against tailenders. So, I don't know what short-ball plan he's talking about," Gill told the reporters in the pre-match press conference
Cummins' warning to India
Cummins had alluded to carrying on with the successful 'bouncer barrage' strategies from the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. On the eve of the third Test, Cummins said at the Gabba that although the plan may not always be the main strategy, it is still a powerful tool in his toolbox.
"It worked out in the Adelaide Test. It's always in the back of your mind as a Plan B, or if it's looking really uncomfortable and likely to take wickets, maybe it becomes Plan A for some batters," Cummins said.
In Adelaide, where he took five wickets in the second innings, Cummins' bouncers caused mayhem. Australia levelled the series at 1-1 as his unrelenting pace and bounce shocked the Indian squad, which was bowled out for 175. Mitchell Starc's six-wicket haul in the first innings had already put the visitors under strain, which complemented Cummins's effort.
Gill on Australia challenge
Although he understood the mental strain of playing lengthy series in Australia, Gill said he was confident in his abilities. Gill went into further detail on the pressures of playing a lengthy Test series. He seemed unfazed by Australia's success with the short-ball strategy, highlighting the value of mental toughness and flexibility in Australian conditions.
"As long as I was batting, I felt good. In the first innings, I let what was happening at the other end affect me, and I missed a full ball. In the second, I couldn't pick the pink ball from the hand... couldn't read it. That's why I got out. I felt pretty confident. I still feel I have the freedom to play (just like on the last tour). I faltered in the first innings of the last game. I was out of strike for 3-4 overs and then missed a full ball. These are the mental challenges you face in Australia," Gill said.
"It's challenging. A bowler might have dismissed you earlier, but you face them again later. You know their plans. That's the fun. Australia knows our strengths and weaknesses, and vice versa. We've been playing each other frequently, so we're aware of each other's plans," he added.
