The IPL auction slated for November 24 and 25 in Jeddah coincides with the third and fourth days of the first Test between India and Australia in Perth. Several Australian players have been named for the auction but their captain Pat Cummins has promised that it will not disturb the team’s concentration on the field.

Pat Cummins pointed out that most of those in the side have been a part of several auctions in the IPL and were accustomed to dealing with the distraction. However, there will be a notable absence from the Australian camp, as head coach Daniel Vettori will miss the first Test.

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Daniel Vettori has travelled to India to oversee preparations for the IPL auction as the head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad, a franchise led by Cummins. The Australian captain downplayed the significance of Vettori’s absence, pointing out that the coach had been part of the entire preparatory camp and had attended all relevant meetings and discussions.

Pat Cummins said: “Dan has flown over there, but he has been here for the whole prep. He’s done all the meetings, done all the chats and has been watching everything. We knew this beforehand, so it’s not an issue for us.” He further clarified, “For the players, most of us have been in the auctions before. We know we can’t control it; you’re either selected or you’re not. It doesn’t affect how we approach the game, and I don’t think it’s a distraction.”

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In addition, former cricketers Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer, who are associated with IPL franchises Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, respectively, will not be part of the commentary team during the final days of the Perth Test. Both will leave after Day 1 to focus on their IPL responsibilities.