Team of the Month: a May-born World Cricket XI
This series’ twelfth and final team has a distinct West Indian flavour at the top of the order, and a domineering captain.
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.”
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This series’ twelfth and final team has a distinct West Indian flavour at the top of the order, and a domineering captain.
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