"Wanted to take an India victory out of equation": Pat Cummins' strong statement after MCG win

Australian captain Pat Cummins led the side from the front with both the bat and ball as the hosts crushed India by a massive margin of 184 runs in the Boxing Day Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday (December 30).

With this thrilling victory, Australia took a 2-1 lead in the ongoing five-match Test series against India, with the fifth and final Test—the New Year’s Test—set to be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Sydney from January 3, 2025. But this loss dented India’s WTC Finals chances severely.

Pat Cummins wins the Johnny Mullagh medal after Australia crushes India in the Boxing Day Test

Pat Cummins won the Johnny Mullagh medal after being adjudged Player of the Match for his all-round contribution to Australia’s 184-run win over India in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, where he scored 49 and 41 runs while finishing with the figures of 3/89 and 3/28 across the two innings.

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After the fourth BGT 2024-25 Test, Cummins expressed his excitement, calling it one of the best Test matches he has been a part of. The Australian skipper also praised the incredible atmosphere created by the crowd throughout the week. He was also elated to contribute to the team's success.

One of the best I've been part of: Pat Cummins on the Boxing Day Test at the MCG

Pat Cummins said at the post-match presentation ceremony at the MCG: “What an amazing Test match. I reckon one of the best I've been part of. All week the crowd has been ridiculous, and it's been amazing to be part of. I am happy to contribute.”

On being asked why he didn’t declare on Day 4, Cummins explained, “We wanted to take an India victory out of the equation. We had plenty of runs to play with and as many helmets around the bat as we could. We put a lot of work into our lower-order batting; we work a lot on how best to bowl to the opposition batters firstly, but also how we can contribute with the bat.”

The Australian skipper revealed who was the man behind giving Travis Head a bowl right after tea. Cummins further went on to reveal by saying, “I give the coach (Andrew McDonald) the credit for that one; we were also behind on the over-rate, so we thought, Let's get Travis in there, and he might get a breakthrough.”

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Pat Cummins praises Steve Smith for his sensible hundred at the MCG

Praising the centurion Steve Smith, who made 140 in the first innings, Cummins said that he just showed how to bat on that MCG wicket. Notably, the fifth and final Test will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Sydney from January 3, 2025.

Cummins signed off by saying, “Amazing, it wasn't an easy wicket; he showed how to bat on it. He got an opportunity, and he pounced and really upped the ante with the tailenders. He was brilliant, and he also took some catches that often go unnoticed. We are really happy with the way we played; we will savor this one for a little bit before we head on to Sydney.”