When Pat Cummins was appointed as Australia’s national Test cricket captain in 2021, the cricketing world collectively raised its eyebrows. Could a fast bowler, already burdened with the physical and mental toll of leading the attack, truly shoulder the added responsibility of captaincy? Among the skeptics were legendary former fast bowlers Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath. Both icons voiced their concerns, suggesting that the dual pressure might be too much for Cummins to handle. Their doubts echoed across the cricket community, fueling debates in commentary boxes and living rooms alike.
Fast forward to October 2025, and Cummins remains at the heart of Australian cricket—though not without his share of challenges. As the current ODI series between Australia and India unfolds, Cummins is temporarily sidelined, recovering from a back injury. Yet, even off the field, he continues to shape the conversation around the sport, particularly with his fresh take on the age-old debate about batting orders.
In a recent chat with the Grade Cricketer podcast, Cummins didn’t mince words when asked to share a controversial cricketing opinion. “The one that the batters disagree with, probably the most, is, I reckon batting orders are pretty overrated. People say, ‘I’m number four,’ but you can bat wherever,” declared the Australian skipper. His stance, while sure to ruffle a few feathers among traditionalists, aligns closely with the philosophy of India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir. Under Gambhir’s guidance, Team India has embraced flexibility, often shuffling its batting lineup beyond the established top three. The results? Several players have adapted seamlessly, performing admirably out of their usual positions.
This evolving perspective isn’t limited to just these two cricketing powerhouses. Across international cricket, teams are increasingly prioritizing matchups and game situations over rigid batting hierarchies. The days when a player’s position in the order was set in stone appear to be fading. Instead, adaptability and tactical nuance are the new buzzwords, especially with a slew of major tournaments on the horizon.
Australia’s current ODI campaign against India offers a prime example of this new approach. Coming into the third and final match of the series, the Aussies have already clinched the contest, leading 2-0. The final ODI, scheduled for October 25, 2025, at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, promises to be more than just a dead rubber. For Australia, it’s a chance to experiment further with their combinations, perhaps giving a run to players in unfamiliar roles. For India, it’s an opportunity to salvage pride and test their own flexible strategies ahead of the crucial T20I series that looms.
The stakes, make no mistake, are high. With the 2026 T20 World Cup just around the corner, every match, every experiment, and every tactical tweak is being scrutinized. Both teams are keen to find the right balance, and the willingness to move batters up or down the order could prove decisive in the months ahead. As the series shifts from the fifty-over format to the frenetic pace of T20s, expect even more innovation—and perhaps a few surprises in the lineups.
But let’s not forget the context in which all this is unfolding. Cummins’ own journey as captain has been anything but straightforward. Since taking the reins in 2021, he’s faced scrutiny not only for his tactical acumen but also for his ability to manage the physical demands of fast bowling alongside the mental strain of leadership. Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath, two men who know a thing or two about the grind of pace bowling, were among the first to voice their concerns. Their argument was simple: the workload might be too much, even for someone as resilient as Cummins.
Yet, time and again, Cummins has shown a willingness to defy expectations. Whether it’s with the ball in hand or the captain’s armband, he’s brought a calm authority to the Australian setup—a quality that’s rubbed off on his teammates. His openness to new ideas, like rethinking the batting order, is just the latest example of his forward-thinking approach. “People say, ‘I’m number four,’ but you can bat wherever,” he reiterated in his Grade Cricketer interview, a statement that’s sure to spark debates in dressing rooms and cricket forums alike.
India, too, has embraced this spirit of experimentation under Gambhir. The team’s flexible approach has seen several players shuffled around, often with impressive results. It’s a far cry from the days when batting positions were fiercely guarded, and any deviation was viewed with suspicion. Now, adaptability is a prized asset, and players are judged as much for their willingness to fit into new roles as for their individual brilliance.
As the ODI series wraps up at the Sydney Cricket Ground, attention will quickly turn to the upcoming five-match T20I series. With both teams eyeing the T20 World Cup, these games will serve as vital preparation. Expect more tactical tinkering, more players stepping into unfamiliar roles, and perhaps a few more bold pronouncements from captains and coaches alike.
For Cummins, the immediate priority is his recovery from a back injury. But even as he works his way back to full fitness, his influence on the team’s direction is unmistakable. Whether he’s leading from the front or offering insights from the sidelines, Cummins has become a central figure in shaping Australia’s cricketing philosophy. The doubts that once surrounded his appointment as captain have gradually given way to a grudging respect—even from his most vocal critics.
Of course, the debate over batting orders is far from settled. Traditionalists will argue that stability and clarity are essential, especially in high-pressure situations. But the new breed of cricketers, inspired by leaders like Cummins and Gambhir, seem eager to challenge the status quo. The coming months, with their packed calendar of ODIs, T20Is, and global tournaments, will offer plenty of opportunities to see which approach prevails.
For now, all eyes are on the Sydney Cricket Ground, where the third ODI between India and Australia is set to unfold. The series may already be decided, but the real story is just beginning. With two of the world’s cricketing heavyweights embracing change and innovation, fans can expect plenty of drama, excitement, and perhaps a few more surprises as the road to the T20 World Cup heats up.
As the action continues and strategies evolve, one thing is clear: in modern cricket, flexibility is king—and Pat Cummins is leading the charge, both on and off the field.
