In the highly anticipated four-test series against India, which begins on Thursday in Nagpur, Australia skipper Pat Cummins said his team is not concerned about their spin combination since it has many options to assist veteran off-spinner, Nathan Lyon.
In order to support Lyon throughout the Tests in India, the visitors have picked leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson, left-arm spinner Ashton Agar, and uncapped off-spinner Todd Murphy.
When asked about his alternatives, Cummins stated, "We've got lots of options here (with) finger spin, wrist spin, and left arm (pace) when (Mitchell) Starcy gets back," in Bengaluru on Saturday during his first media appearance since coming in India.
"Of course, we'll choose the bowlers we believe will produce 20 wickets. However, we're not completely certain of how we'll divide that up yet."
He said when asked if the spin assault would have two components: "I wouldn't say it's a guarantee. It is obviously highly conditional. Once we arrive in Nagpur, we will be able to observe that, especially during the first Test.
Prior to Monday's trip to Nagpur, the Australians are undergoing their training camp in Bengaluru.
The fact that someone like Agar was a member of our previous squad and that Swepson participated in the two most recent international tours is a plus.
"Murphy took part in the previous tour. We believe that Lyon had a lot of support from that department."
The middle-order batter Travis Head also throws a couple of innings of sporadic off-spin, according to 29-year-old Cummins.
"Travis Head is a great off-spin bowler as well. We must strike a balance. There is a wide range for us to choose from. As of yet, no bowling lineup has been set."
While there is a lot of discussion about spin bowling, Cummins advised his team not to overlook their fearsome pace bowling lineup.
When discussing a few spinners, I believe it is often easy to overlook how effective many of our fast bowlers have been in all circumstances.
Even some of the SCG wickets haven't offered much to quick bowlers, but they have managed to succeed nonetheless, he continued.
Since his first Test appearance in six years in Ranchi during the most recent tour of India in 2017, Cummins has come a long way.
The top Indian trio of KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane were then dismissed by an injury-prone Cummins, who finished with figures of 4/106.
"I hadn't taken an exam in six years. All I wanted to do was reiterate my desire to play that position in Test cricket. That spell was fantastic; you can't worry about your body or other things. Just give it your all. That was great fun for me.
Test cricket can be extremely brutal. You must acknowledge that these are going to be trying times, and you must be willing to take on the challenge. Coming to India when there are a lot of discussions about the country's large spinning wicket is not usually the case.
"There are times when you have to put in the work. The fast bowler's job entails bowling numerous overs for little to no pay while still doing your part for the team. I really like that element of the last tour. This time, there's a lot to play for, he remarked.
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