“I couldn’t have asked for much more,” Patrick Cummins said upon receiving the man of the match award for the final Ashes Test. The interviewer could have easily responded with, “You couldn’t have given much more”.
Cummins’ Ashes performance has been impressive. He squeezed out Mitchell Starc and the rest of the formidable attack as leading wicket-taker, with 23 wickets at 24 apiece. His batting was tidy too, collecting 166 runs at a pinch over 40. He’s been vigorous and almost faultless on the field, minus that blunder in the first innings.
But the statistics don’t reveal all; there is more to Patrick Cummins.
He’s in the Ryan Harris mould. He’s affable – the spectator wants to see him succeed – and he’s lionhearted. Cummins struggled with illness in the fourth Test and would have been excused to ease off the gas, but he persevered. Sweat drenched his shirt and kept his hair plastered to his forehead. Then he’d turn at the top of his mark and charge in again.
The story of the fast bowler from New South Wales is well known. He burst onto the Test scene in 2011 as an 18-year-old, and as if that wasn’t good enough, he took the man of the match honours too. Australia secured a famous win and squared the series against South Africa.
(Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
But then, for what seemed like an eternity, Cummins was cruelled by injury. There was a hurt heel, several side strains and dreaded stress fractures. The joys of being a fast bowler. He’d make intermittent returns to the game, though he couldn’t string together more than a few matches, especially in the longer format.
These were hard times for the young man, perhaps even dark times. But Cummins wasn’t the type to wallow. He worked on his game and persisted. He reinvented his bowling technique to lessen the strain on his body. He spent more time in the nets batting when he was told he couldn’t bowl.
And now he’s re-emerged. The raw talent and athleticism were always there. Though there is grit and an insatiable appetite for hard work too. How many times in rehab did the young man ask himself, “How much do I want this?”.
Cummins has learnt the art of selflessness. He knows how fleeting and fickle the game can be. He’s not chasing accolades when he steps over the rope. He’s glad just to be there and help his team in any way he can.
Perth Wicket
Roar Pro
Harris was special, there's no doubt there. Your right, Cummins hasn't quite harnessed the swing component. He relies more heavily on hitting the wicket hard. But there's no doubt that he can develop that ability. I hope you're right about Cummins durability. That's a scary prospect for opposition sides.
Perth Wicket
Roar Pro
Thanks for the comment Matt. Does he have much experience with the new ball? I agree with your point. Cummins is more assured but Starc can cause a bit of damage.
Perth Wicket
Roar Pro
I'm glad to hear it, Big Daddy. He comes across as a very genuine character. I hope he can build from here.
Perth Wicket
Roar Pro
Thanks, Paul. Ahh yes, 'the next big thing'. I think it's inevitable that these calls will come in. Especially if he continues performing. But I think Cummins has his ego in check, as you say.
Perth Wicket
Roar Pro
I agree, Perry. I was waiting for a bad news story - another stress fracture for example. Imagine if this trio can stick together with some consistency over the years. Very exciting.
Perth Wicket
Roar Pro
There's definitely something about him. Captaincy, I'm not sure though. He's capable but do you think it will be too much and hamper his ability as a player?
BurgyGreen
Guest
The Harris comparison is a great one, though as a bowler Cummins is taller, and when going all out is faster, but probably hasn't quite got Harris's mastery of swing (yet). With the bat he's a bit more circumspect than Rhino. Harris remains my favourite ever player and if Pat Cummins can play a similar role I will be absolutely stoked. The biggest point of difference seems to be that Cummins has become far more durable than Harris, which is a huge asset to the side.
matth
Guest
Definitely took the award for man of the series not called Smith. Imagine how good he will be when he gets the new ball off Starc and Hazlewood (which might not be for a long while yet). I actually like Starc batting at 8 and Cummins at 9. Starc is hit or miss, but when he hits he can cause havoc. With Cummins at 9 it lets Starc play his 'natural game' without having to worry too much, as there is a solid man coming in after.
THEA
Guest
Saw that series in Sth A, and I've been telling everyone for 5 years who talked cricket, "you wait for Cummins to come back". Was scoffed at several times. Couldn't be more thrilled for him, enthralling to watch, deserves all accolades
paul
Guest
just as long as they don't then try and bat him higher, or try and turn him into an all-rounder if he makes useful runs
Big Daddy
Guest
Andrew, I met pat at a diwali festival 2 years ago and you wouldn't meet a nicer young guy. Deserves all the accolades he gets as he has put the hard yards in to get back on the big stage.
jameswm
Guest
I think they should move him up the order, but only to 8.
jameswm
Guest
And why he was constantly backed. A 6'4 fast bowler who bowls in the mid 140s, accurately, moves it a bit, has stamina, and can seriously bat. He would be one of the first picked in any test team - possibly ever. Imagine him instead of Lee, Dizzy or Kasper, to back up Pigeon and Warnie. There is a bit of Gillespie (at his peak) in his bowling. I'm curious to see how good his batting can get. I think both he and Pattinson could end up with test batting averages in the high 30s. What a benefit to any team. Paine isn't that far off being a test no.6, bit with Mitch marsh doing well, we don't need the 5th bowler really. Nice to have those options though. Right now, the top 3 is our biggest issue.
paul
Guest
A nice article Andrew. I just hope the selectors don't get carried away and decide he's the new all rounder they've been looking for and move him up the order. I also hope he hasn't been tagged "future great" too early, especially if he starts believing his own press. That doesn't seem likely but....
Perry Bridge
Guest
Glad to see an article on him - there's been so much said about Mitch Marsh and others but to me - Cummins was the story. First for seeing out the full 5 test series and second for getting better as it went on. Who thought that we'd only lose one test from the key 3 quicks - and that was Starc and not Cummins. Bird was pretty ordinary stepping in. The unavailability of Pattinson and Behrendorf was unfortunate.
Nudge
Guest
The guys a superstar. All those who questioned why he was rated so highly after 1 test in 5 years can now see why others just knew he was destined to be an all time great.
Saurebh Gandle
Roar Guru
He is destined to become a superstar given how good he is in all three department.Captaincy probably that's also not too far away if Australia decides to have separate captain for all three format.