AUS vs PAK: "You're Never Going To Be At Your Best.."- Andrew McDonald On Pat Cummins' Captaincy
Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald expects skipper Pat Cummins to keep developing as a captain in the coming years after a spectacular 2023. The former Australian all-rounder acknowledged the inevitable struggles faced by Pat Cummins at the start of his stint as a captain and feels players only grow as leaders on the job.
Pat Cummins has had a dream year as a player and as the captain of Australia. Australia lost two consecutive Tests against India earlier this year but after that, Pat Cummins led the Australian team to their maiden ICC World Test Championship Title in June 2023 beating India in the finals. Australia then retained the Ashes in England winning two consecutive Tests. He led the team to a record-extending sixth World Cup title and now ended the year with a series win against Pakistan.
Andrew McDonald spoke to the reporters saying that Pat Cummins has been ‘sound’ in all aspects and that has contributed to his exponential growth. As quoted by Fox Sports, he elaborated, “I think anytime you start your captaincy regime, you’re never going to be at your best. You are going to learn and grow across the journey.”
“But in terms of as a player, I think he’s probably held where he’s been at for two-three years. His body’s been sound. He has had the opportunity to play a lot of cricket and his performance execution as a player over the last two years has been outstanding. But as a leader, he has definitely grown and I think you will see him grow again.”
Pat Cummins Ended His Year With A Terrific Performance At The MCG
Pat Cummins ended his year with a terrific performance against Pakistan in the second Test at the MCG. He took 10 wickets in the entire match with a five-wicket haul in both innings. His five wickets in the second innings were crucial for Australia as Pakistan threatened to chase the 317-run target. Australia won the Test by 79 runs and Pat Cummins was given the Player of The Match for his 10 wickets in the match.
Andrew McDonald also observed that Pat Cummins is completely open to taking suggestions from all the members of the side and also praised the decisions he has made over the last 12 months. He added, “I think tactically, a lot of captains are maligned in hindsight, whether it’s right or wrong, what they’ve done. But I think that the most important thing is the planning and discussions you have leading into the decision making and he is really open with that.”
“I think that’s the art of captaincy, to be consistent and connected with your playing group and your staff and have the ability to make good decisions at the right time. And at the moment, the last 12 months, you’d say he’s put a lot of the right levers.”
The third Test between Australia and Pakistan will be played in Sydney commencing from January 3. It will be the last Test for David Warner as he has announced his retirement from the longest format of the game. David Warner has had a stellar career for Australia in red-ball cricket. He is the fifth-highest run-getter for Australia in Test cricket.
