Former Australian fast-bowling sensation Brett Lee has urged Australian selectors not to dictate terms, but include the young gun Pat Cummins for Australian Test squad which is touring India in February.
“Absolutely in my opinion. Whether they will or not, there’s a lot of red flagging going on about players being on the cusp of getting injured,” said Lee, quoted as saying by news.com.au.
Lee stressed that it’s the perfect time to unleash the fascinating fast bowlers, who are coming through the domestic circuit for the national side.
“I’m sick of reading about that, to be honest. If they’re not prepared to play him take him in the team, let him bowl in the nets and just bowl and bowl and bowl, Lee added, is going to be the part of Triple M’s [radio brand] commentary panel.
In November 2011, at the age of just 18 – Cummins played his only Test against South Africa with the impressive figures of 7-117 on his debut.
To the utter surprise, he didn’t get a Test match after that which is sad on the part of performance and Test cricket as well.
“Just get him in that mix again where he’s confident and he knows his body and he’s bowling under duress. You can’t just go from a Shield match or one first-grade game and expect to just go and play Test cricket. You need to keep playing a lot of cricket,” Lee added.
CA selectors are planning to let Cummins spearhead fast-bowling attack for Australia’s Ashes series against England in 2017-18
Staying away from the Test cricket for five long years Pat Cummins may find it difficult in the subcontinent to send down the longer spells but might learn the vital lessons, if he earns a call for the Indian tour.
Lee is hopeful that New South Wales trio which includes Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood’s combination with all the variations at disposal would be fruitful against India other than spinners, who normally rule the rest on sub-continent wickets.
“With those three back in the mix, we’re spoilt for talent, aren’t we. Bowling in India you need a few things. Firstly you need patience and secondly you need to know your game better than anyone, including your captain,” Lee concluded.