The current Ashes Series has seen an outstanding performance from Australian captain Pat Cummins. Australia won the first Test thanks to Pat Cummins’ unbeaten 44, as he formed a fantastic partnership with Nathon Lyon for the ninth wicket.
While everyone is aware of the paceman’s bowling prowess, who has taken 15 wickets in the series, one fewer than Stuart Broad, who is currently leading the table with 15 wickets, Australia won the first Test due to Cummins’ unbeaten 44.
Glenn McGrath, a former Australian legend, believes that Cummins has what it takes to play in the remaining two Ashes Tests and reproduce his performance as a dependable pacer throughout the entire series. McGrath draws on his own experience to support this claim. In the tough six-match Ashes series in 1997, McGrath played in every game and finished as the series’ top wicket-taker with an astounding haul of 36 kills, assisting Australia in claiming the urn with a 3-2 victory.
To ensure peak performance, the Australian squad carefully handled their pacers, alternating players like Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Josh Hazlewood. However, due to the series’ intense competition, Cummins has had to stay present on the field, often in his capacity as captain.
According to McGrath,
Pat Cummins doesn’t need to think about taking a break just to relax, as long as he is healthy, confident, and mentally sharp. He stressed the value of the “survival of the fittest” philosophy and cited English legends Stuart Broad and James Anderson, who have played a staggering 165 and 181 Test matches, respectively, for their continued success.
“I don’t like taking a break just for the sake of taking a break if he’s fine, feeling good, loving it, switched on, and still focused mentally. It’s not about the XI anymore; it’s about the team, and the fact that fast bowlers put a lot of stress on our bodies is just the nature of the beast. However, as McGrath stated and cricket.com.au cited, “I do believe in the principle of the strongest surviving.”
I believe in giving everything you have, which is why Glenn McGrath Cummins arrived in England for the Ashes with no workload in tow after sitting out the majority of the BGT matches against India and the just-completed IPL. McGrath praises Cummins’ dedication while recognizing that his movement and faster bowling speed put more strain on his body.
He has an additional duty to participate in every game as team captain, but McGrath thinks Cummins is up to the task. “I believe in giving everything you’ve got, keeping up with yourself, and knowing that if you are hurt, someone else will get the chance. McGrath emphasizes the value of consistency and dedication: “That keeps you on edge every game, performing at your best.
The lengthy break between the third and fourth Tests will give all of the bowlers enough time to rest and be ready for the fourth Test. Australia currently has a 2-1 series lead, and the fourth Test is set to begin on July 19 in Manchester.