New Delhi : India’s highly anticipated tour of Australia, kicking off on October 19, carries added significance as stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to Australian shores. However, Australian pace spearhead Pat Cummins believes home fans might get their final opportunity to witness the Indian legends in action Down Under. This could mark the Rohit Virat last match Australia hosts in a while.
Kohli and Rohit, who have retired from Tests and T20Is, will play in the ODI series, the only international format they are participating in, starting on October 19 in Perth. India will play three ODIs and five T20Is on their limited-overs tour. Fans could witness the Rohit Virat last match Australia sees in this format.
“Virat and Rohit have been part of almost every Indian side for the last 15 years, so this might be the last chance for the Australian public to see them play here. They’ve obviously been champions for India and always draw massive support. Whenever we play against them, the crowd gets loud,” Cummins said on JioHotstar.
Cummins, who is recovering from lumbar bone stress ahead of the Ashes, will miss the series against India, and Mitchell Marsh will lead the ODI side.
Speaking about missing the white-ball series, Cummins said, “It’s a shame to miss the series against India. The crowds are going to be huge, and the excitement is already building. Whenever you miss a game, it’s disappointing. Missing a big series like this is harder to take.”
India’s white-ball tour, under new captain Shubman Gill, begins with the ODI opener on October 19 at Perth Stadium, followed by matches at Adelaide Oval and Sydney Cricket Ground on October 23 and 25. The five-match T20I series begins on October 29, giving fans another chance to witness the Rohit Virat last match Australia hosts in this leg.
During the last bilateral ODI tour in 2020/21, India lost 2-1 but won the T20I series by the same margin.
Reflecting on Australia’s approach in the upcoming ODI series, Cummins said, “We want to win all three matches, but it’s also about giving exposure to younger players, especially those who missed the last World Cup. The goal is to test them, evaluate their performance, and finalize our 15-man squad for the World Cup.”
Mitchell Starc, who retired from T20Is last month, will return to face a strong India line-up. Cummins said, “Starc decided to focus on Test cricket after a fantastic T20 career. While others may not match his record, several players can step in and fill his shoes.” Fans hope to welcome the Rohit Virat last match Australia with full enthusiasm.
–IANS
