MELBOURNE, Australia: Captain Pat Cummins expressed his immense satisfaction as Australian cricket capped off a historic year, culminating in his remarkable 10-wicket feat during the second Test victory against Pakistan in Melbourne.
His stellar performance not only secured the team’s fourth consecutive home series win but also elevated him to an exclusive echelon of bowlers, marking his entry as the 10th player to claim 250 or more wickets for Australia. This achievement aligns him with legendary figures such as Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Dennis Lillee, as well as current Test stars Nathan Lyon and Mitch Starc, solidifying his place among cricketing greats.
“It’s pretty special company being up there,” said Cummins, who now has 252 wickets in 57 Test matches. “A real proud moment to see the names you’re up there alongside.
“Achievements in Test cricket, the things that are most satisfying, is the longevity it takes to hit a few of those milestones, especially after missing a few years when I was a bit younger. It’s always a nice little reminder.”
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After facing a challenging hiatus due to injuries early in his Test career, Cummins made a resounding comeback in 2017. Despite initial doubts surrounding a fast bowler’s effectiveness as captain, he not only silenced skeptics but also led Australia to victories in the World Test Championship, the 50-overs World Cup, and the retention of the Ashes in England over the past year.
His recent exceptional performance, including a 10-wicket feat in the second Test, solidified his prowess, as he claimed 5 for 49 in the second innings, clinching a match total of 10 for 97 and extinguishing Pakistan’s hopes of leveling the three-match series.
“I’m really happy for a few reasons. Personally, the main reason is that’s the best I felt bowling for a little while,” Cummins said.
“My rhythm felt really good. I felt like I bowled with good pace, I knew where my wrist was and could control the seam, some good bouncers. I felt really happy with just how I was bowling if I didn’t take wickets.
“And then as a team, just a huge year, all formats, a lot of success, and stop off by winning a series at home which we pride ourselves on doing. It’s a pretty satisfying way to end 2023.”
