“Pat Cummins takes Australia over the line.”
How many times have we heard the commentators say this? A lot. And yet it seems like it should be said even more.
The Aussies found themselves in a bit of a pickle in the third innings at the SCG as Rishabh Pant seemed to be going berserk with the bat. He was scoring everywhere on a spicy wicket, a wicket that was favouring the bowlers mostly.
And just like that, within the blink of an eye Pant was on 61 off 33 deliveries. He even took on Scott Boland, who had been the best bowler of the day. At a strike rate of 184, a century didn’t seem far-fetched.
And then I thought to myself if there was one bowler who could get Pant out, it would be Pat Cummins. After having removed himself from the attack only a couple of overs ago, Cummins brought himself back and dismissed Pant within two deliveries.
Honestly, I wasn’t particularly surprised by my prediction, as this has often been the case with Pat Cummins. Whenever a partnership is brewing, he is warming up. It doesn’t matter if he has just finished a long bowling spell, he brings himself back on and keeps running in until the job is done.
So it’s not a shocker that he has bowled 167 overs throughout the entire series, the most amongst bowlers from either side. Plus, with 25 wickets, he is the highest wicket-taker in the Australian camp.
Captain Pat’s story with the bat hasn’t been all that different. And that is reflected through the latest ICC Test all-rounder rankings. The Australian captain is currently ranked No.3 as an all-rounder.
Since being appointed captain, Cummins has successfully closed out a number of games for Australia with the bat across all formats. To top it off, he has scored 159 runs in this series, which includes knocks of 49 and 41 at the MCG. In the end, those knocks proved to be crucial in swinging the pendulum towards Australia. Be it with the bat or ball, he always finds a way to step up when Australia needs him the most.
Pat Cummins. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Most of the top teams in the world have solid resources, if only that were enough. A smart captain is also needed to use those resources to the team’s advantage. And Pat Cummins does it better than most.
On the tactical front, the Aussie captain was impressive over the course of the series. His bowling changes and field placements were immaculate. However, despite his tactical acumen, it’s his mindset that sets him apart.
When Australia lost the first Test in Perth, the team was subjected to heavy scrutiny by the media and fans alike. To that, Cummins responded saying, “We are the No.1 ranked side in the world, this week doesn’t change that.”
When the captain of a team talks like that, it invariably lifts the players. This man doesn’t only talk, he walks the walk. He is calm and composed, never letting his shoulders drop in the face of defeat.
Clearly, he has been able to create an atmosphere that is conducive to high performance. Australia hadn’t been able to get their hands on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for 10 long years. It is no coincidence that they have finally done it under the leadership of Cummins.
He breaks partnership with the ball, forges partnership with the bat and leads his team with pride. It’s time for people to see Pat Cummins for what he is, a true champion. This man is cementing his name as an all-time great both as a player and a captain. And he is not done yet.
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