AUS vs ENG: "Retaining Ashes Is Nice But We’re Fully Focused On Winning It" - Pat Cummins

After retaining the Ashes urn, Australia National Cricket Team skipper Pat Cummins has said that the job is not done yet as their entire focus is still on winning the series.

The fourth Test of the Ashes 2023 at Old Trafford in Manchester ended in a draw after the rain washed out the final day. England were in dominant position throughout the match and they looked set to seal the victory. But thanks to the rain, Australia were saved and they managed to retain the Ashes as the series currently stands at 2-1 with the final Test set to be held at The Oval.

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Speaking after the match, Pat Cummins said that their focus was on winning the game, but they are delighted to retain the Ashes. He said:

“Our preference is to come over here and win the Ashes. Not the greatest of circumstances but happy to retain it now. What happened today doesn’t really change how we look at the next game.”

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We weren’t at our best so we’ll look into that – Pat Cummins

England remained true to their Bazball approach in the match and they posted humongous 592 runs on the board in the only inning they batted with 6 out of the top 7 batters scoring 50-plus runs. Zak Crawley top-scored for his side as he smashed outstanding 189 runs off 182 balls, with 21 fours and 3 sixes.

Pat Cummins further admitted that they didn’t play their best cricket in Manchester and lauded England for their batting performance. Pat Cummins said:

“It’s been an amazing group, we all turned up here very motivated. Will be a special week at The Oval. England batted really well, we tried a couple of plans but it didn’t work. We weren’t at our best so we’ll look into that.”

Talking about his fitness Pat Cummins said that he is feeling quite good. He added that they will be entering the final Test with only one goal in their mind which is to win it.

“(On being asked about his fitness) Feel pretty good, having a break leading into this game was good. Probably haven’t bowled a lot of overs, feeling good. Marnus was fantastic with Marsh yesterday. He got to show his class out there. We all turned up here to win the series, retaining the Ashes is nice but we’re fully focused on winning it.”

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