"Not a distraction.." Pat Cummins opens up on IPL 2025 auction taking place during the Perth test

Australia test captain Pat Cummins was retained by SRH ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

The heavyweight clash between India and Australia – Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) – is set to begin on November 22 in Perth. The upcoming series will mark the first instance since 1991-92 when Australia and India take on each other in a series of five tests.

India are coming to the series as the holders of the trophy. The Asian giants have dominated the Aussies winning four consecutive test series on a trot. On the eve of what promises to be a thrilling contest, Australian captain Pat Cummins has acknowledged that the pressure is on the home side.

Cummins said, “There will always be pressure when you are playing at home. India are a very talented side and it will be a good challenge. But we are not looking too far ahead.“

Interestingly, the third and fourth days of the first test are set to clash with the IPL 2025 mega auction, on which Pat Cummins has shared his thoughts.

Cummins on IPL auction happening during the Perth test

Despite the overlap, Cummins dismissed concerns about it affecting his players’ focus. Cummins said, “So, for the players, I don’t think so. Most of these guys have been there in the auctions before. They know they can’t really do anything. You are a sitting duck and seeing whether you get selected or not. It doesn’t… doesn’t make a difference to how we go about the first two days. It is not a distraction as far as I can see it.”

Cummins also emphasized that Daniel Vettori’s absence, who has flown to Saudi Arabia for IPL 2025 mega auction, won’t impact the Australian team. Cummins added, “Dan has flown over there, but he has been here for the whole prep. Done all the meetings, done all the chats, watching it. We came to know that anyway.”

Australia are set to field debutant Nathan McSweeney as the opener alongside Usman Khawaja. Skipper Pat Cummins expressed confidence in the youngster, advising him to play his natural game rather than attempt to replicate David Warner.

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