18 year-old pace sensation Pat Cummins officially made his debut in the crucial Test starting in Johannesburg overnight after performing credibly in the shorter form of the game for NSW and Australia, impressing with his speed and wicket-taking ability.
However, with just nine wickets at 46 from the only 3 first-class matches he’s played, Cummins doesn’t have the runs on the board (a Cape Town pun that I missed) to suggest he’s ready for Test cricket.
While Cummins took one wicket from fiften overs at an economy of 2.53, with some claiming he out performed Mitchell Johnson, it’s the selection itself that makes a mockery of Australia’s first-class structure.
Australia’s dominance over the last generation has been based on the rich battle for places in the side due to exhaustive competition at state level.
Players have come from left field to be picked – Colin Miller for example – but only after exceptional performances over an extensive period of time.
While showing wicket-taking ability in the ODI series last month, Cummins won’t be able to rely on batsmen hitting against the clock at the Bullring.
It’s apples and oranges.
And with an average of 30 and economy rate of over a run-a-ball, what is it other than raw potential that convinced the selectors that the teenager was the third best bowler available?
The selectors’ decision is patronising to the current batch of Australian professional cricketers.
By overlooking Trent Copeland (with 100 first-class wickets at 23), they have shown that they believe their eye is a better barometer than our first-class system.
I wish Pat Cummins the best of luck in his Test debut. If I got selected (with my comparable first-class experience), I wouldn’t give it back either.
And I wish the selectors better fortune in their next jobs.
Dr Bob
Guest
Perhaps a bit of crow is in order? Perhaps you wish to write this again? Perhaps you would like it withdrawn? perhasp next time you will hold your passion in check until the test has finished and then write it? Good gutsy stuff but totally confounded by the actual events that followed. The worse nightmare of all us contributors.
Russ
Guest
Fisher Price
Guest
Alongside Copeland, Cummins/Siddle and Pattison perhaps.
Justin
Guest
Yes it's staggering a rookie is leading the attack. What's worse is that Copeland, who has the best FC record of any of the bowler is not picked and MJ and PS get smacked around the park. They have not the ability to bowl tight and build pressure yet the one who does and takes wickets doesn't.
Lolly
Guest
He's bowled pretty well however he's got stuff all competition as Johnson and Siddle are at their ineffectual best. So it's hard to tell how well he's done as you can't help but compare him with those two and that's not much use in all honesty.
damos_x
Guest
I know we've been spoilt in the past few decades with having quite a stable team & constant success but one does wonder how things will be for us in future given the incomprehensible selection process. I suppose we should be used to the idea that proven performers are left out & favourites are chosen given what happened to Brad Hodge.
Harry
Guest
Launched into that pro-Queensland rant and pressed post before writing that Ben Cutting needs to take his place for the Brissy test.
Harry
Guest
Hard to disagree. The young man does have potential, but should be at best in the Australia A side. Bear in mind he's from Sydney. Anyway back to shield cricket after this test and lets see him in four years time. 4 Shield wins straight for the Qld sheild team. Has there ever been a better year for Queensland sporting teams? SuperRugby champions (still hard to believe), SOO, Soccer, Netball.
formeropenside
Guest
Yes. 9 wickets at 46 makes selection a joke.