T20 World Cup 2021: Pat Cummins Reckons Letting All-Rounders Play The Role Of Fifth Bowling Option Will Be The Norm
Australian quick bowler Pat Cummins stated that the flexibility of playing four specialist bowlers and letting the all-rounders fulfill the fifth bowler’s role is immense. In addition, the Aussies have the option to turn to Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell to contribute with four overs, which has provided a great balance to the team.
Although the duo was taken to the cleaner on Thursday by the Sri Lankan batsmen, they have proven to be effective in the middle overs. Having an extra batsman in UAE conditions is a luxury, as elaborated upon by Cummins.
“I think the flexibility that structure gives us is just huge. Maxi bowling one in the first six (overs) means Starc can have an extra over through the middle. We saw he took a couple of wickets in the middle overs. That’s because we were able to have someone like Maxi bowl early.”
“Stoinis still hasn’t bowled a lot, but we know how much of an impact he can be with the ball, let alone having the option to now have that extra batter. I think we’re really well suited. We were covering a lot of areas with that fifth bowler. We’ve got Maxwell, Stoinis, Marsh – all who can contribute those four overs,” Cummins mentioned.
“They’ve probably been the form team in the last few years” – Pat Cummins on the England team
Ahead of their crucial clash against England, Pat Cummins further added that both teams have a similar style of play. He also praised the England team, terming them as the ‘form team’ in the last few years in white-ball cricket.
“I think the style of play is quite similar. We like to take the game on. They’ve been probably just about the form team in the last few years in white-ball cricket. [A] huge game. We know these guys really well. We know it’s such a big game in the context of making the semi-finals, and yeah, always enjoy coming up against England,” Cummins added.
Both teams have two wins each from their two matches, and the winner all but secures a place in the semifinals.
