PAK Vs AUS: Pat Cummins' Self-Belief Led To Dramatic Turnaround In World Cup, Says Simon Doull

Former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull couldn’t help but praise the remarkable change in Australia’s body language, particularly their captain Pat Cummins, as the five-time champions triumphed against Sri Lanka, ending their losing streak with a convincing 5-wicket victory in Lucknow during their ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match on October 16.

Pat Cummins had been under significant pressure following Australia’s defeats to India and South Africa in the initial stages of the World Cup 2023 campaign. The team had been plagued by dropped catches, with as many as six opportunities missed against South Africa and India, including a crucial drop by Mitchell Marsh of Virat Kohli when India was in a precarious position at 2 for 3 while chasing 192.

Furthermore, Cummins had not been as penetrative as expected with the ball. He went wicketless against India and was expensive against South Africa in Lucknow.

However, Australia’s skipper, Pat Cummins, made a remarkable turnaround in his approach. Despite Sri Lanka winning the toss and opting to bat, Australia’s shoulders did not drop even as Sri Lankan openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera compiled a 125-run partnership for the first wicket. Pat Cummins emerged as the catalyst for Australia in the 22nd over, dismissing Nissanka, and later, he removed Perera, triggering a massive collapse in the Sri Lankan batting order. The middle-order crumbled under the pressure created by Adam Zampa, who found form with a four-wicket haul.

Pat Cummins also displayed his prowess in the field, running out Dunith Wellalage, as Sri Lanka tumbled from 157 for 1 to a modest total of 209 all out. Australia faced their hiccups when they lost David Warner and Steve Smith in the same over. Still, they managed to recover, largely thanks to a half-century from Josh Inglis. They ultimately chased down the target in 35.2 overs, securing their first set of points in the World Cup.

Simon Doull Calls Pat Cummins, ‘A Big Player’ For Australia

Doull lauded Pat Cummins as a pivotal figure for Australia, citing the belief and confidence he instilled in the team. He also acknowledged the significance of Zampa’s resurgence against a traditionally strong Sri Lankan side.

“Cummins, I think he was a big player for Australia, as far as that belief was concerned. Maybe, he was believing in himself, in his captaincy, Addam Zampa, huge relief for him to bowl well against a side that traditionally plays well,” Simon Doull told Cricbuzz.

“Inglis proving a little bit of a point after Alex Carey got dropped. Inglis getting that fifty. I think a lot of boxes ticked,” he added.

Looking ahead, Doull cautioned against underestimating Australia, even after their initial sluggish start. He emphasized that the five-time champions have a history of performing well against specific opponents in World Cups, such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. If Australia can continue to build on their recent victory and maintain their momentum, they could swiftly climb up the points table and become a formidable force in the tournament.

“They needed to win (This). As I said, they have got 4 teams in a row that they do not lose to in World Cups. They don’t lose to them very often, you think Pakistan, you think Bangladesh, you think New Zealand. They don’t lose to those sides at the World Cups, very often. If they can get on a run, they could be on 8 points in the next week and a half, and Net Run Rate is on its way up. They are still a dangerous side. That’s the thing with Australia, once they get on a roll. Once they get along with that confidence,” Doull concluded.

With upcoming matches against Pakistan in Bengaluru on October 20, Netherlands in Delhi on October 25, and New Zealand in Dharamsala on October 28, Australia has the opportunity to solidify their standing in the competition. They are a five-time World Champion and they know how to make a comeback from these situations.