It’s been 1366 days since the 18-year-old fast bowler Pat Cummins played his one and only Test, highlighted by winning the man-of-the-match award at the Wanderers in Johannesburg in Australia’s nail-biting two-wicket win over South Africa.
Having taken 6-79 off 29 overs in the second dig with the wickets of Jacques Rudolf, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, the rookie came to the crease with Australia needing 18 runs to win with just two wickets in hand.
Showing no signs of being overawed, Cummins scored 13 of them while the experienced Mitchell Johnson claimed five, and the baggy greens were home by two wickets.
The future for Cummins was obviously extremely bright, until a litany of injuries ranging from stress fractures of his back, ongoing heel injuries, and a torn side had him constantly on the operating or physio table, and a long way from the centre.
Thanks to Cummins’ gutsy dedication and a combination of the Australian and NSW medical staff who were equally dedicated, Cummins played for Australia against Northamptonshire at the County Ground. Over the rain-affected last three days he produced 3-64 off 20.4 and a career high and top score 82 not out off 113 with 13 fours and a six.
That put some much needed substance into the total after the Australians were 5-87 with David Warner (6), Shaun Marsh (24), Steve Smith (0), Adam Voges (21) and Shane Watson (20) back in the shed.
Down 3-1 and the Ashes lost, Pat Cummins must play in the fifth and final Test at The Oval, starting Thursday.
It will be Michael Clarke’s final Test as well if he sticks to his word on the very ground Don Bradman made the most famous duck in Test history, requiring just four runs in 1948 for a career average of 100.
The team for Thursday should be:
1. David Warner
2. Chris Rogers
3. Steve Smith
4. Michael Clarke
5. Adam Voges
6. Mitchell Marsh
7. Peter Nevill
8. Pat Cummins
9. Mitchell Johnson
10. Mitchell Starc
11. Nathan Lyon
The pace attack of Cummins, Johnson, Starc and Marsh is far more formidable than in the first four Tests, with Lyon always an offie danger.
But the bigger question will be the top seven in the batting order with Cummins, Johnson, Starc and Lyon a big bonus if they get going.
It’s time for a repeat of Lord’s with the top three firing – Rogers (178), Warner (78) and Smith (215), with Clarke scoring only seven, Voges 25, Marsh 12, and Nevill on debut with 45.
That 8-566 (declaration) was more like what was expected pre-tour, so the quicker the last Test shambles of 60 and 253 is buried the better.
One would hope there’s enough bottle among the baggy greens to win this final Test.
The inclusion of Cummins after what he’s been through to regain his Test place should be an inspiration to the other 10.
Pat Cummins and the fans, especially those who have paid a fortune to tour, deserve nothing less.
Birdy
Guest
On my calendar 2010-2011 is a little more recent than 2001 - but overall, you're absolutely right, the evidence is unequivocal (particularly being bowled out in the quickest time in the history of test cricket) Australia are currently a much better team than England. Aussie cricket fans - the gift that keeps on giving.
Don Freo
Guest
Wrong Marsh.
Disco
Guest
Rather than nick to second or third slip every single innings?
TheCunningLinguistic
Guest
I actually think Chris is spot-on. Johnson has literally bowled two threatening deliveries in the entire series, and they took wickets- in the same over. Without his throat-lifter he is fairly innocuous, I don't know where it has gone. I would give Cummins a go, and give Johnson a rest. And BTW, if we're relying on Johnson as a batter, that means the top order has collapsed again, no bowlers will save us!
AlanKC
Guest
That's because you only read Australian sites.
AUSI
Guest
If its a green top then we need Johnson. I think David has got it right Lets see what Cummins is made of.
Don Freo
Guest
Surely Shaun could open the bowling.
Don Freo
Guest
Apparently Buchanan, Symmo and Haydos hated Bucky. He wanted to go disco dancing before Gazza sang the team song. He's even got nice shoes. Doesn't get the "baggy Green" culture. Let him go...good riddance. Buckky actually likes Harbhajan. What kind of Australian is that?
Don Freo
Guest
Johnno is our most reliable batsman.
Don Freo
Guest
People calling for breaks for cricketers on such leisurely tours have obviously not played the game much. Cricket is not even tiring, especially for elite cricketers...just good exercise.
Don Freo
Guest
There was some significant tossing going on...in the change rooms.
Don Freo
Guest
Nevill would want to improve with the bat....and use the bat.
Nudge
Guest
Could cut and paste that on nearly all your comments mate
Jameswm
Guest
I'd be tempted to go with that.
Jameswm
Guest
You're right, the teams are not evenly matched. Right now, Australia can certainly win in England, but England would struggle to win in Australia. Remember last tour? Australia is better. What chance England winning a series in SA? Heck, England couldn't even win a series in the West Indies.
Birdy
Guest
Have you been waiting a week to cut and paste that comment, Nudge? Well done mate, you can go to bed now.
Jameswm
Guest
6. Nevill 7. Agar 8. Pattinson 9. Starc 10. Cummins 11. Hazlewood Batting? A bit light on at 6-7. still strong at 8-10. It depends on Agar becoming our best spinner. More like this: 6. Nevill 7. Faulkner 8-10 - 3 of Pattinson, Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood 11. Lyon Batting looks more solid. Bowling wise better spinner, and pace almost as good.
Justin
Guest
My XI, have Cummins in for Johnson, Mitch Marsh back in for his brother. Rogers and Clarke in their farewell tests and Voges plays mostly because we don't have a lot of options in our squad. There are worried about Cummins bowling too long and breaking down, based on the pitch, based on our batting, a four day game may be a stretch. 1. David Warner 2. Chris Rogers 3. Steve Smith 4. Adam Voges 5.Michael Clarke 6. Mitchell Marsh 7. Peter Nevill 8. Pat Cummins 9. Mitchell Starc 10. Josh Hazelwood 11. Nathan Lyon
Darren
Guest
Chris you're normally on the money but completely disagree this time. Hazelwood has not been able to do the job that was expected of hin this series. He's had some good moments but lacked consistency with line and length. I think he will be a very good bowler but he needs to learn from this tour. I'd rate Johnson' s series as superior, I think he has bowled without luck a few times, even though Hazelwood has more wickets.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Yeah I'd agree that Rogers' departure is a bigger loss than Clarke. Since coming into the Test team two years ago he's made just under 2000 runs at an average of 44, including five tons from 23 Tests. They are good numbers but they don't do justice to how valuable he has been. Warner really needs to step up in his absence after an ordinary 2015 so far.