Australia to unleash bouncer-barrage in knockouts: Cummins

Adelaide, March 15 (IANS) Ahead of the World Cup knockout stage, Australian pacer Pat Cummins warned rival batsmen on Sunday that the co-hosts will be unleashing bouncer-barrages.

With the pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Johnson and Pat Cummins, the sheer speed of the Australian attack shapes as the biggest worry for their opponents as the teams head into the business-end of the tournament.

The four-time World Cup champions will play their quarterfinal at the Adelaide Oval on Friday against Pakistan and Cummins believes that it is the ideal venue for him, Starc and Johnson to launch their assault.

"It's been close to the quickest wicket I have played on this year. With a few of us trying to bowl quicker, it's going to favour us. For us having all our games in Australia, the bouncer is really important," Cummins was quoted as saying by news.com.au.

The 21-year-old said bowling quick bouncers to check the flow of runs, especially at the death, will be key for them.

"You can bowl two bouncers an over and if you execute it well, it can be a dot ball which, especially towards the end of an innings, can be gold. It's definitely something we are going to continue using," he added.

Cummins expressed disappointment about his performance against Scotland but exuded confidence about doing well ahead.

"In one-dayers, batsmen try and accumulate plenty of singles through the middle overs and with fast bowlers, you can try and rough them up or have a bit more flexibility -- trying to be aggressive through those overs," Cummins said.

"Hopefully it's one thing that sets us apart and hopefully it's a positive. It's getting towards the business end and I just can't wait to get into the pressure games."