Australia fast bowler, Pat Cummins has thrown his support behind fellow teammate, Mitchell Starc; after the bowler attained unimpressive figures of 2/98 in the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Gabba, Brisbane. Though there is no discount on the speedometer, Starc’s wicket-taking deliveries have cut down a bit. Furthermore, he seemed to have wasted a few balls at the fag end of day two when the hosts were pushing for early wickets.
His (Starc) rhythm is mostly there – Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins has come to terms with Starc’s speed and rhythm and said he bowling it fast is pleasing to watch. Moreover, he added Starc had made minimal changes to his run-ups and foot alignments, but he is nearing his purple patch.
Meanwhile, the talk of the 28-year old not bowling upto his reputation began during the South Africa series last year. Later, even during the India Tests, Tim Paine and Justin Langer spoke on Starc’s fitness and wicketless spree.
“The good thing is he is bowling really fast,” Cummins said. “His rhythm is mostly there. I know he has tried to change a couple of things in his run-up and trying to get his feet aligned but he is not far away.
“You always feel he is going to break open the game at any point. I would love him to take a couple of wickets and click. You always rally around each other … we’ll get around him but he’s not far away.”
Starc to get dropped as a new-ball bowler?
There were reports post the first match Cummins could be taking the new ball in Canberra Test. Even the former Test great, Brett Lee said if the left-arm fast bowler needs a kick in his backside, then it has to be. However, Cummins reiterated saying doesn’t mind bowling anytime in the innings until he is taking wickets.
“I feel like our new-ball bowlers have always done a really good job,” Cummins said. “When Starcy is on you just feel like he is going to rip through. You saw him against India, both their openers got dropped because we started off really well with the new ball.”
“I am itching to get the ball in my hand but I am happy to wait a few overs.”
Meanwhile, Australia won the first Test by an innings and 40 runs. The second Test will begin on Thursday (January 31st) in Canberra.