New Delhi, Oct 14 (NationPress) The much-anticipated Indian tour of Australia, set to commence on October 19, holds immense importance as it signifies the return of cricketing icons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to Australian ground. However, Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins suggests that this series may offer the last opportunity for local fans to see these Indian legends perform in their backyard.

Kohli and Rohit, who have recently retired from Test and T20 formats, will be participating in the ODI series—the only international format they are still involved in—starting on October 19 in Perth. India will engage in three ODIs and five T20Is during their limited-overs tour of Australia.

“Both Virat and Rohit have been integral to nearly every Indian team over the past 15 years, making this possibly the last opportunity for Australian audiences to see them compete here. They have been true champions for India and enjoy tremendous support. The crowd always gets energized when we face them,” Cummins shared on JioHotstar.

Cummins, who is currently recuperating from lumbar bone stress as he prepares for the Ashes, will miss the series against India, with Mitchell Marsh taking the helm of the ODI squad.

Discussing his absence from the white-ball matches, Cummins expressed, “It’s disappointing to miss the series against India. I believe the attendance will be substantial. There’s already significant excitement in Australia. Missing any game is unfortunate, but skipping a major series like this is particularly difficult.”

India’s limited-overs tour of Australia, led by new captain Shubman Gill, will kick off with the first ODI on October 19 at Perth Stadium, followed by matches at Adelaide Oval and Sydney Cricket Ground on October 23 and 25, respectively. This will be succeeded by a five-match T20I series starting on October 29.

During their last ODI series in Australia, India faced a 2-1 defeat in 2020/21, but they managed to secure a T20I series victory by the same margin.

Reflecting on Australia's strategy for the upcoming ODI series, Cummins stated, “It’s essential to win these three matches, but it’s also crucial to provide opportunities for younger players, especially those who were not part of the last World Cup. Our aim is to evaluate their capabilities and ensure we have a well-prepared 15-man squad as we approach the World Cup.”

Mitchell Starc, who stepped back from T20I cricket recently, is set to return for the international matches against a formidable Indian team. Commenting on Starc's T20I retirement, Cummins noted, “I was aware that Starkey was contemplating his T20 retirement for some time. Competing across all three formats is quite demanding. He’s older than me and has played a significant number of Test matches, which has taken its toll.

“His focus is now on Test cricket. He has had an outstanding T20 career, and while others might not replicate his exact impact, there are plenty who can step in and fill the void he leaves.”