Squad depth will aid Aussies' subcontinent target: Cummins

Test captain Pat Cummins feels Australia are poised for success in the next few years with a squad of high-class players, but wants to make winning overseas a priority.

Heading into the fourth Vodafone Test against England at the SCG on Wednesday, Australia have retained the Ashes after winning all three matches.

Paceman Cummins is delighted at the way the team has developed and added depth.

Fast bowlers Scott Boland and Michael Neser each performed well after winning their first caps while wicketkeeper Alex Carey also looked comfortable after making his debut in the first Test.

Paceman Jhye Richardson grabbed a five-wicket haul in his comeback Test and batsman Travis Head starred before contracting COVID.

"The opportunity to debut three guys and have a few guys like Trav Head, who has stepped up midway through their career, it just really feels like we've set up for the next few years," Cummins said at the SCG on Tuesday.

"I think the most immediate challenges are going to Pakistan, playing overseas, winning in the subcontinent.

"It seems like the best Aussie teams in the past it's non-negotiable you've got to win at home every summer, but I feel like we've got a real squad of high-class players that can step in at any time."

Leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson was overlooked for a Test debut at the SCG, but Cummins suggested the Queenslander will get his chance overseas next year.

"I think you need to have the conditions to suit," Cummins said. "I don't think anywhere in Australia that I've played on in the last few years has probably dictated two spinners.

"I would love to have that option, he (Swepson) is a classy spinner, we're itching to get him in the side one day.

"We think he will debut at some stage. Probably most likely (with) the amount of subcontinent tours we've got coming up, that's going to be his opportunity."

Cummins has relished having another pace bowling option in allrounder Cameron Green, who has taken seven wickets at an average of just 11.

"I probably didn't fully appreciate just how good he was as well not bowling the 30 overs in a game, the 40 overs you might from a frontline quick," said Cummins.

"I just love that he's stayed patient even in the short bursts he's had. He's had a huge impact on the game.

"I feel really lucky to be able to call on him. He's a genuine fifth-bowling option, he's not a last resort, he's there to take wickets."

Vodafone Men's Ashes

Squads

Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith (vc), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nic Maddinson, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner

England: Joe Root (c), James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Haseeb Hameed, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

Schedule

First Test: Australia won by nine wickets

Second Test: Australia won by 275 runs

Third Test: Australia won by an innings and 14 runs

Fourth Test: January 5-9, SCG

Fifth Test: January 14-18, Blundstone Arena