NEW DELHI: Seven Australian cricketers participated in a word association game, giving one-word descriptions of the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and Indian cricket. The activity, organized by ABC Sport, offered a glimpse into the players’ perspectives.
Australian Test captain Pat Cummins used the word ‘big’ to describe all three.
Top-order batter Travis Head, fresh off his strong performances against India in the ongoing series, labeled the BCCI as ‘rulers’ and the ICC as ‘second.’ He described Indian cricket as “strong.”

All-rounder Glenn Maxwell, wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey, and Nathan Lyon all chose ‘boss’ for the ICC. These same three players, along with star batter Steve Smith, described the BCCI as ‘powerful.’
Smith initially described the ICC as ‘not as powerful’ as the BCCI. But he quickly reconsidered, stating, “No, no, I can’t say that. That was a joke.” He then offered ‘leaders’ as his descriptor for the ICC.
Opening batter Usman Khawaja opted not to comment on the ICC, eventually responding with ‘pass.’ But responded with “talented” to describe the Indian cricket team.

The upcoming fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia is scheduled for Thursday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.