Date published: 21/11/2024 – 09:54Changed: 21/11/2024 – 09:53

2 minutes

India will enter the first of five tests against Australia in Perth on Friday after losing their first home series in 12 years.

However, speedster Bumrah, who will captain the team after Rohit Sharma stayed home after the birth of his second child, said that they are just looking forward to it.

“The beauty of cricket is that even if you win you start from scratch, even if you lose you start from scratch,” he told reporters.

“That’s how I look at the game.

“Obviously yes, we were disappointed and upset that we had a tough series (against New Zealand).

“But we’re not carrying any baggage. We’re coming in with a new mentality, a different opponent, and you learn from the changes that are happening in our team.”

In Rohit’s absence, KL Rahul or Abhimanyu Easwaran will feature in the opening order along with Yashasvi Jaiswal, while number three Shubman Gill, who has injured his thumb, is in doubt.

Their bowling line-up is also uncertain. Bumrah said India have decided who will partner them in the attack but will wait until the draw to reveal everything.

Kohli is certain to play but will come under increasing scrutiny after managing just two Test centuries in the last five years and averaging just 15 against New Zealand.

Despite signs that one of the world’s best batsmen may be past his best at the age of 36, Bumrah warned that Kohli should never be written off.

Kohli has an excellent record in Australia with an average of 54.08.

“He is one of the best in the game,” Bumrah said.

“He is the most professional person we have on our team. He has achieved a lot of success.

“Okay, there might be a series or two of ups and downs here and there, but I have no doubt about the confidence he has right now.

“He wants to contribute. And when I see him in training… the signs are worrying.”

With Bumrah receiving the armband, the two fast bowlers will captain their teams in the first Test, with Australia’s Pat Cummins in charge.

Bumrah said he is determined to do it his way.

“I love responsibility. Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to do the hard work,” he said.

“I never followed a cheating scheme… I never followed a pattern and just went with my instincts and always played my cricket that way.

“I trust my instincts and instincts a lot,” he added.

© 2024 AFP