The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is quickly turning into a defining series for Pat Cummins and his Australian cricket team, as they gear up for the second Test against India at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, starting on December 6.
Following an embarrassing 295-run defeat in the ongoing five-match Test series opener in Perth, Pat Cummins is under scrutiny both for his bowling and his captaincy, with the Day-Night Test in Australia being seen as a crucial opportunity for redemption against the high-flying Indian cricket team.
Pat Cummins eyes redemption in Adelaide after the Perth Test debacle
Australia’s formidable unbeaten streak at Perth Stadium was shattered in the opening Test, with India dominating across all departments to record a historic 295-run win to take a 1-0 lead in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Cummins, known for his lethal pace, seemed below his best, sparking discussions about his lack of rhythm and questionable field placements in the Perth Test. Meanwhile, former England captain Michael Vaughan hailed Pat Cummins as one of the finest captains and bowlers in modern cricket.
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However, at the same time, the cricket pundit admitted that the Australian skipper looked a shadow of his usual self in the first Test against India at the Optus Stadium in Perth, where his pace and precision fell short of expectations.
Michael Vaughan backs Pat Cummins to bounce back against India in Adelaide
Vaughan also mentioned that Cummins showed signs of rust in the Perth Test as he was coming off an extended break from red-ball cricket since March. However, the upcoming pink-ball Test in Adelaide presents the perfect opportunity for the paceman to bounce back and showcase his world-class abilities to India, according to the Englishman.
With valuable overs now under his belt, Michael Vaughan believes that Pat Cummins looks great to return to his fiery best, both as a bowler and a leader in the Adelaide Test against the Indian team. He predicted that the Australian skipper and pacer would stun the Indians with the pink ball.
The stage is set for a thrilling battle under the lights, and all eyes are on Cummins to lead from the front and reaffirm his status as a game-changer in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Vaughan is confident that the ace pacer’s experience and resilience will shine in Adelaide.
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Cummin is a brilliant captain and a brilliant bowler: Vaughan
Michael Vaughan said on Fox Cricket’s podcast The Follow On: “He’s (Pat Cummins) a world-class performer, a brilliant captain, and a brilliant bowler. But the one thing I’ll say is he did look short of a gallop in the First Test. He’d not been playing any cricket. He had not played any longer format cricket since March.”
Vaughan added, “So, I would think this week in Adelaide, he will be up on his pace because of what he did last week. I think the First Test will be good for him. He’s got some overs back into his body, into his mind, playing the longer format back into his system, and I think he’ll be better for it. Pace is a lot for Pat Cummins. If he is down to 135 (or so), I think he it gives the batters that extra little bit of time to adjust to the movement and the accuracy that he produces.”