The Australians arrive in England ahead of the ICC World Test Championship final against India and the upcoming Ashes series with the goal of capitalizing on the opportunities that await them and winning the Ashes on English soil for the first time since 2001. While the Australians retained the urn in the 2019 series, they were unable to win the series.
Australia took an early lead, but England responded with a one-wicket victory in Leeds. Australia regained the series lead with a convincing win at Old Trafford, but lost it in the series decider with a disappointing performance.
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Cummins expressed disappointment that Australia did not capitalize on an exceptional opportunity in England the previous time around.
“I felt like we left something behind in 2019. I think the second and third Tests were both ours to win and, obviously, the fifth Test we didn’t play particularly well. Those opportunities are rare over in England, and we just didn’t quite grab a couple that came up. But again, the core of our side is similar this time around to 2019 as is theirs so hopefully we’re better for it,” Cummins told WA.
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Cummins also believes that David Warner, despite his age of 36, can be a contributor and a key player in the upcoming ICC WTC final and Ashes, as he still has a lot to offer in the upcoming series. Meanwhile, Warner’s strong finish to an outstanding IPL season has delighted Cummins and the rest of the Australian team.
“I’m sure he’ll bring that fire for the World Test Championship final and Ashes, where he walks out there and puffs the chest out and is a pretty formidable opener,” he said of Warner’s upcoming red ball season.
Cummins will lead Australia in the final of the ICC World Test Championship against India on June 7 at The Oval in London, before the Ashes begin on June 16.