Pat Cummins could play Sheffield Shield before India Test series
What's the story
Australia's Test captain, Pat Cummins, is likely to return to the Sheffield Shield as part of his preparation for the upcoming Test series against India at home. Cummins recently featured in the USA Major League Cricket and has been rested from Australia's white-ball tour to Scotland and England next month. He will focus on strength and conditioning ahead of the India series, comprising five Tests.
Matches
Australia look to defend WTC title
As mentioned, the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Test series between Australia and India will consist of five Tests, which spans over seven weeks. This will be followed by two additional games in Sri Lanka, as per ESPNcricinfo. The Aussies would want to make the most of these matches to be able to reach the World Test Championship final scheduled at Lord's next year. Australia are second in the 2024/25 WTC table, behind table-toppers India.
Information
Nine Sheffield Shield appearances for Cummins
Cummins last featured in the Sheffield Shield in February 2021 for New South Wales. As per ESPNcricinfo, the Aussie pacer has played only nine matches in the Sheffield Shield, Australia's premier First-Class competition.
Schedule
How will Cummins plan his return?
It will be interesting to see how Cummins plans his return to the Sheffield Shield. His side New South Wales will play against Victoria, with the match starting on October 20. They will take on Queensland from November 1. This match coincides with the start of the Pakistan ODI series. The 50-over matches will be part of Australia's preparation for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.