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‘No limit’: Cummins coy on star’s role against India

‘No limit’: Cummins coy on star’s role against India

Australian captain Pat Cummins has revealed there will be “no upper limit” on how many overs all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will bowl in the first Test against India.

In the absence of Cameron Green this summer due to a back injury, there have been plenty of question marks around Marsh’s increased role.

The 33-year-old has dealt with his own injury issues in the past and given how integral he is with bat in hand, Marsh bowling more overs could detract from his impact.

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Speaking to media on Thursday morning, Cummins was quizzed on whether Marsh would be restricted at Optus Stadium and gave a diplomatic response.

Mitchell Marsh is one of Australia’s most important players.  Darrian Traynor via Getty Images

“We never put an upper limit on anyone,” the skipper said.

“He will definitely bowl this Test. He is an all-rounder and with the way us four bowlers set out, we never really budget around an all-rounder bowling heaps.

“I would imagine a few spells each innings. He is ready to go and he’s been bowling great this week, his body is the best it has been for a while.

“I don’t have an answer, but he’s ready to go and happy to bowl as much as we need.”

Marnus Labuschagne has also been spotted bowling some medium pace in the nets, but a lot of the bowling load will likely fall on the front-line quicks and spinner Nathan Lyon.

A lot of the lead-up to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been centred around the vacant opening role for the Aussies, with rising star Nathan McSweeney getting the nod.

Nathan McSweeney is set for his Test debut.

Nathan McSweeney is set for his Test debut. Getty images

The departure of David Warner has left a gaping hole in terms of firepower, but Cummins is hopeful the fresh face in the Test side can complement Usman Khawaja up top.

“It’s basically been the same side for the past two or three years,” the skipper said.

“Davey is very hard to replace in many ways, but I think the most important thing for someone like Nath coming in is to play his own game.

“He doesn’t need to strike at 80 like Davey did if that’s not his game.

“I’d love to see them bring the best out of each other.”

Australia will be chasing their first series win against India in a decade beginning on Friday and the captain believes it will be the cherry on top of what has been a very successful few years for the Test side.

Pat Cummins speaks to media ahead of the first Test.  Nine

“I think for about half the changeroom, we haven’t won … it’s kinda the last thing to tick off for a lot of us,” Cummins said.

“We’re all excited, we know India are right up there with the best teams.

“They are missing a couple of guys we are more familiar with, but we know that whoever they pick they will obviously think are good enough for Test cricket.”

Australia’s likely first Test team

Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood