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Ashes: Pat Cummins and the Aussies staying cool amid fifth Ashes Test tussle

Alex ConradNCA NewsWire
Pat Cummins wouldn’t say no to back-to-back Tests in his home city. Visionhaus/Getty Images
Camera IconPat Cummins wouldn’t say no to back-to-back Tests in his home city. Visionhaus/Getty Images Credit: Supplied

A decision on where the fifth Ashes Test will be played is expected to come at the end of the week, but according to Australian Test captain Pat Cummins, the squad “don’t have any preference”.

Perth was originally locked in to host the final Test, but due to WA Premier Mark McGowan’s reluctance to stray from his quarantine stance, the match was shifted.

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Melbourne, Hobart and Sydney are the frontrunners to take the match off of Perth’s hands, although no city is neck and shoulders above the rest in the tussle to host the match.

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Should the Test go to Sydney, not only would it be back-to-back matches for the Harbour City, but it would also represent a double-header for Cummins in his home state.

But rounding out the Ashes at the SCG is the least of the skipper and his team’s concerns, as Cummins declared he’s “not too bothered”.

“My heart is saying yes (to a fifth Test in Sydney),” Cummins said.

“We haven’t had some great experiences there over the last couple of years, especially as a fast bowler, as it can get pretty low and slow.

“Really, we don’t have any preference, that’s the honest answer.

England v Australia - 3rd Specsavers Ashes Test: Day Two
Camera IconPat Cummins wouldn’t say no to back-to-back Tests in his home city. Visionhaus/Getty Images Credit: Supplied

“Hobart and Melbourne have been thrown up, another pink ball in Adelaide.

“I’m not too fussed where it is.

“If it’s in Sydney, great. I can stay at home.

“But I’m not too bothered.”

One key factor that Cricket Australia is keeping in mind when selecting the new venue for the fifth Test is the capability of hosting a day-night match.

The Adelaide Test has become synonymous with the new pink-ball format, but should CA get their wish, they’ll be sharing the pink ball crown for the Ashes.

Cummins again took a noncommittal stance on whether the side wanted another day-night Test but maintained the venue must “get the wicket right”.

“Yeah, I don’t have huge thoughts either way,” Cummins said.

“I think a pink ball is so dependent on the wicket.

“I think Adelaide have really nailed the wicket since we last played there, it’s a good balance between bat and ball.

“I think at times in Shield cricket, if the wicket’s not quite right you can see some long, slow pink-ball matches.

“I think if it’s a pink-ball match and they get the wicket right, no stress from us.

“It’s a format we’ve had a lot of success with.”

Originally published as Ashes: Pat Cummins and the Aussies staying cool amid fifth Ashes Test tussle

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