Pat Cummins’s stocks continue to rise rapidly, with the express paceman grabbing the second five-wicket haul of his Test career in Johannesburg.
There was little for Australia to celebrate on day two of the fourth Test against South Africa, when the hosts extended their march towards a 3-1 series victory.
Cummins’ haul of 5-83, which he completed with the dismissals of Keshav Maharaj and Morne Morkel on Saturday, was one such milestone.
“It’s so good to see him get five wickets today. He’s probably deserved that in many Tests this series,” Australia’s bowling coach David Saker said.
“He’s bowled some spells this series that are as good as any bowler has bowled for Australia before.”
Cummins’ Test debut came some six and a half years – and umpteen setbacks – ago at the same venue.
He collected the first five-wicket haul of his first-class career and stroked the winning runs to be named man of the match.
“It definitely feels a long time ago. The boys have been getting into me, that I only take five-fors here at this ground,” Cummins said.
“It’s been a pretty long couple of days, so I’m not sure if it’s right up on my favourites list at the moment.”
The 24-year-old suffered a series of serious injuries after his sparkling Test debut.
He had to wait until 2017 to play a second Test but is now the fittest member of Australia’s pace attack.
“He’s backed it up now for probably over 12 months,” Saker said.
“He’s now trusting his body, which is great for him.
“There were times when he would have found that playing a game of cricket was going to be a worry, because he thought he was going to break down.”
Ouch
Guest
Like your optimism but just can't see us even getting a draw. Would be a monumental effort. I think we'll be lucky to make 200, leaving us still 288 behind. Proteas bat to 150 odd. 420-450 for the win.
Ouch
Guest
We're done. Unless the rains come. Probably over tonight.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Mate, you need to take a pill and lay down for awhile.
MichaelJ
Guest
Renshaw MUST replace Bancroft. LOL.
rtp
Guest
Yeah we are still in the game. Which is technically true as our team is still out there. But in terms of the chances of winning it is zero. And barring rain or a zombie apocalypse a draw is also zero chance. The thing is this is just the beginning. The precedent has been set. Any time one of our players nicks the ball and doesn't walk and BAM! that's a 12 month suspension. By the end of the year half of the professional cricketers in this country will have been rubbed out.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Tough day for us. Joey Burns and Renshaw are still suffering a bit of jet lag I would bet. Handscomb has been in terrible form and not batted for a while. The rest I wonder if the whole tour has just run them down. WE are still in the game. A big second innings and we can still win, or at least draw the game. That leg side catch from De Kock off Philander was class.