Birthday special: Pat Cummins – Top 3 spells in int’l cricket
Star Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins will be celebrating his 30th birthday on May 08, 2023. The speedster made his international debut way back in October 2011 during an ODI against South Africa. The current Australian captain had a six-year gap between his first and the second Test due to injuries. However, he made an incredible comeback in the format and climbed to the top spot in the ICC Test bowler’s rankings within two years after his comeback. As the Australian captain turns 30, let’s take a look at his top three performances in international cricket:
6/79 vs South Africa, Johannesburg, 2nd Test November 2011
Making his debut in Test cricket as an 18-year-old, Cummins announced his arrival in style as he picked up 6/79 in the second innings to restrict South Africa to 339. The Proteas ended up winning match the match by two wickets and Cummins was deservedly awarded Player of the Match for his for picking seven wickets in the game.
5/38 vs England, Brisbane, 1st Test, December 2021
Leading from the front in his first game as Australian captain, Cummins picked up 5/38 to start the Ashes in style. Courtesy of his magnificent spell, England were bundled out for 147 in the first innings and Australia ended up winning the match by nine wickets. Captaining for the first time in his career, Cummins led Australia to a 4-0 series win.
5/70 vs India, Mohali, 4th ODI 2019
After opting to bat first, India posted a massive total of 358/9 in the first innings courtesy of a splendid hundred from Shikhar Dhawan (143 off 115). Cummins was the pick of the bowlers for Australia as he scalped 5 for 70 in his 10-over spell. Australia ended up winning the match by four wickets and 13 balls to spare. Cummins further finished as the highest wicket-taker of the series with 14 wickets in five games and helped his side win the series by 3-2.
