Cummins says WTC final, Ashes can secure legacy for Australia

Australia captain Pat Cummins said on Tuesday the World Test Championship final against India and the subsequent Ashes tour of England will define his side's place in cricket history.

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Cummins' men face India in just the second WTC final at the Oval starting on Wednesday, the first of six Tests in eight weeks, including a five-match Ashes series.

New Zealand beat India in the inaugural 2021 WTC final in Southampton, while it is 22 years since Australia last won an Ashes campaign in England.

"Whether we like it or not, these big series are where you look back at eras of cricket teams and judge their performances," Cummins told reporters at the Oval.

"That's an exciting opportunity for us.... No doubt this will be the last Ashes away tour for a lot of the guys."

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The 30-year-old fast bowler added: "Missing the first one (WTC final), this second one feels like it is a bit more significant. It is the only trophy that Australian cricket hasn't won."

This week's match takes place against a backdrop of fears over the future of Test cricket during the growth of global franchise Twenty20 tournaments.

But Cummins said he wished the final, the culmination of a two-year programme, would strengthen the place of the WTC in cricket's congested international calendar.

"I hope this week shows that it does work," said the skipper. "Every day is a sell-out. I just had a meeting where they said it will be the most-watched Test ever played.

"So hopefully this event is a real event that is here to stay."

The WTC final will be Australia's only match in England before next week's first Ashes Test at Edgbaston