‘Sample size of one’: Cummins rubbishes calls to change squad

Australia’s captain Pat Cummins has rubbished claims the starting XI he led into a horror loss in Perth to start the summer’s Border–Gavaskar series against India must change heading into Adelaide and Test Two.

While coach Andrew McDonald has stayed relatively quiet on his plans, Cummins was very clear: This loss has been a “sample size of one” and any changes would be kneejerk rather than calculated.

“Four or five days ago we thought this was our best XI. So I dare say… there won’t be many changes going into Adelaide, but I’m not a selector. I’m sure they’ll get together after the game,” he said, before admitting, “We [have] got a bit of work to do over the next 10 days.”

Of all the squad members, Marnus Labuschagne has been the most grilled for his struggles against India’s quicks. Australia’s third batter compounded a string of poor innings by scoring two from 52 balls before he was dismissed in his second knock.

“Marn, along with quite a few guys in the team, didn’t have the week we would have wanted,” Cummins conceded. “[But] it’s no secret how hard the batters, particularly Marn, work in the nets. He’s always trying to find those small marginal gains.

“At his best, he is one of the scariest propositions for opposition bowlers to bowl at. This week will be about those conversations. He’s done it before over there. He’s got a very good pink ball record, so I always think looking back at past successes [and] when you are at your best, [that] is always a pretty good way to get yourself back.

“This week will be a lot of conversation with the coaches around his approach and what he could be doing differently. We know he’s a class player.”

The Aussie skipper moved things away from squad selections as quickly as possible though, declaring India’s choice to call time on their innings – and the eventual 295-run defeat in front of a groundswell of eager Perth fans – definitely stung.

“It was fairly disappointing” he said.

“We thought our preparation leading in was really good [and] everyone was firing, but it was just one of those games where not much went right. We’ve got a fair bit to look at ahead of next week.

“We didn’t really give ourselves a chance in a few different facets and I think late on day one, if we just got through that period, then maybe the game looks a little bit different on day two. There are a few different areas we need to clean up.

“After a loss, you want to get back on the horse, but we’ll take a couple of days then get into Adelaide.”