Hazlewood impressed by Cummins' comeback

Mar 23, 2017 - 4:33 PM Josh Hazlewood was in awe of how Pat Cummins bowled in his Test comeback, especially given how placid the pitch was in Ranchi.

Cummins unleashed almost six years of angst on India's batsmen in the third Test, having been sidelined from the sport's highest level since a sparkling 2011 debut in Johannesburg.

The 23-year-old was comfortably the visitors' most potent bowler, extracting remarkable bounce from the slow-and-low surface throughout his 39 overs.

"Everyone was taken aback by the way he bowled and to get that lift and pace off the wicket like that," Hazlewood said.

"He's a pretty special player and to bring that extra pace is what you need sometimes on those wickets to get those breakthroughs.

"It's great to have him back. I've spent a lot of time with Patty and to finally get to play a Test with him was great.

"He obviously had a great hit-out in that last Test and bowled fast for the whole duration, so it's amazing what he's going to do back in Australia and on bouncy wickets."

The tourists hope the deck for the series decider will be exactly that.

The fourth Test starts on Saturday in Dharamsala. The venue has a reputation of being among India's most pace-friendly grounds.

Australia liked the look of the pitch on Thursday, when they trained there for the first time.

However, Hazlewood suggested there might be some changes before the toss.

"I'd love to see it fast and bouncy," he said.

"We'd love it to be that way, would feel a bit more like home but I don't think we'll get that.

"The way they saw Patty Cummins bowl the other day, they don't really want it any faster than Ranchi I wouldn't think."

Cummins was sent for scans following the match. However, it was a precautionary measure because of his history of serious setbacks.

The right-armer has avoided injury and is set to back up in the series decider.

Source: AAP