Pat Cummins says the Cricket World Cup brought the best out of his captaincy and insist he gets better with every game as Australia’s one-day international skipper.
Cummins’ stunning performance as the architect of Australia’s sixth World Cup crown brought to an end any lingering uncertainty about his suitability for the top job.
The 30-year-old surprised onlookers with his call to bowl first in November’s final against India after winning the toss in Ahmedabad.
But with the wicket playing slow in the first innings before the dew fell to quicken the pace in the second, it became clear the captain had pulled off a masterstroke.
“Still on a high, still waking up every morning buzzing. It’s a career highlight for sure,” Cummins said on Tuesday, reflecting on that final victory over the tournament hosts.
(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
“I definitely get better with captaincy every game, absolutely.
“You learn so much in your wins, and even more so in your losses. No doubt I’m getting better.”
Bowler Mitchell Starc had his own words of praise for his triumphant captain.
“He’s been phenomenal – the last few months have spoken to that,” Starc said.
“He certainly had his critics. There’s an opinion that (the captaincy) has to be done a certain way (but) Pat’s never been fazed by that or outside noise.
“A lot of (Australia’s success) has to do with the way Pat captained through the World Cup, particularly that last game.
“Things were done differently and bravely, and we’re standing here with the trophy.”
Cummins and Starc have no plans to rest for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan despite a busy 2023 in which Australia embarked on a tour of India, the World Test Championship final, an away Ashes series and the 50-over World Cup.
Mitchell Starc and Australian captain Pat Cummins pose with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Trophy during a ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Trophy Media Opportunity at SCG, on November 28, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)
“The words ‘rested’ and ‘rotated’ get thrown around a lot, but you never miss Test cricket fully fit,” Cummins said.
“Whilst the last couple of years we might’ve been rested from the odd game, the bulk of work we’ve been able to do is because of those smaller gaps.
“We’re fully fit. We won’t be rested.
Retiring batting great David Warner is expected to be selected for the three-Test series that begins in December, with his farewell game in the format likely to be a hometown Sydney farewell in early January.
“He’s a great of our game in all formats,” Cummins said of Warner.
“First and foremost, you always think of the performance side of things when you’re picking a side.
“He was brilliant this World Cup. He’d go on and take the game on, be brave and really put it back on the opposition.
“He’s hitting the ball beautifully at the moment.”
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
What's your reply then? You didn't make one. Preferring to talk about me instead of cricket.
Ashan D
Roar Pro
We all know you are a troll mate. I usually ignore your comments but thought i reply just once here, and no more. Everyone else, lets just ignore him :happy: Also, I’m half in doubt if you are Indian.
Ashan D
Roar Pro
We all know Don is a troll. Lets just ignore him. Im half in doubt if he is an Indian looking at his comments.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Can't read? You just did as well.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
That book of cliches again. At least you know Barb will be right there.
Barb Dwyer
Roar Rookie
Yes, you've gotta wonder how the Cummins era compares to Michael Clarke. Cummins miles ahead.
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Nobody is posting about you Don. You're a laughing stock
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
And so says a bloke with less culture than a tub of yoghurt
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
He shouldn't. His form has been terrible.
Ace
Roar Rookie
:thumbdown:
The Knightwatchmen who say Nii
Roar Rookie
No mate, they don't. Refer to my reply to Barb Dwyer above. To have any semblance of meaning, raw stats need to be cleansed.
The Knightwatchmen who say Nii
Roar Rookie
What on Earth are you on about, stats lie BIG TIME. Player A scores 180 off 130 deliveries in a 5 for 390 total and then their minnow opposition bat out of their skins to reach 270 off their 50 overs. Player A had taken a mere 60 deliveries to go from 80 to 180. This same Player A scores a mere 10 off 20 deliveries in the following game, a do or die knock out and his team, chasing 250 get bowled out for 150 in a mere 30 overs. Player B scores 80 off 70 against a mid-range opposition, and his team still reach 340 off their 50 overs and then they bowl their opposition out for 320 early in the 50th over. Then in the semi-final Player B scores 110 as his team successfully chase down 250 batting second with only 3 overs to spare and 2 wickets standing. Both Player A and B have scored 190 runs in two innings, but their impact on team success has been far from equal. Raw unadulterated stats tell massive porky pies, they undersell some players, grossly oversell others. Now: the question is, which of these two player types has Warner been? It’s a no-brainer. Warner is an accomplished, even highly accomplished one day player, but predominantly a fair weathered performer. He is not a great, irrelevant who else does or doesn’t have his same precious stats.
Horses for Courses
Roar Rookie
Ah yes much more preferable that he throws out a canned cliche about teamwork and support of family, how dare he have confidence in his own ability.
Andrew
Roar Rookie
Your comments are amusing and the comments section is better for it. Keep up the good work. :stoked:
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
It's boring and sucky. Bring back real Australian cricket.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
Are we actually going to have tests this summer? It's almost December and we are still playing 20/20 games in India.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
True but even my favourite captains all had shortcomings; including Chappelli and Waugh. All I’m saying is that when l look at what Cummins did was an improvement over the Ashes Winter.
nics
Roar Rookie
By that token, I suppose it's also "Trumpesque" (whatever that word means) when Langer praises his own work: "but I want people to know I am happy with my decision and proud of what I have achieved."
Barb Dwyer
Roar Rookie
Published twice. Does not make sense.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
It's a problem when he starts to publicly praise his own work. A bit Trumpesque.