Ashes 2021-22: Almost Got The Job Done - Mike Hussey Impressed With Pat Cummins' Captaincy

Despite failing to close out the game against England, Pat Cummins did a great job with his bowling changes and field placement, reckons former Australian batter, Mike Hussey.

Needing ten wickets on the final day, Australia almost managed to eke out a fourth victory on the trot but the tailenders of England managed to keep the hosts at bay. The rain also played a part in the Test as quite a few overs were lost. Amidst all the carnage, Cummins’ captaincy received praise from Hussey.

“I thought he was very good. I would give him a very good mark out of 10. I think the way he rang the changes today, he changed the bowlers around from different ends. I thought his field positioning was excellent as well. Almost got the job done.“

“The only thing is if he had the chance again, would he have maybe declared perhaps half an hour earlier? They had plenty of runs on the board for that pitch. England were always going to struggle to get that many. But tactically speaking, he did a very, very good job,” Hussey mentioned on Cricbuzz.

“Scott Boland has a great understanding of his game” – Mike Hussey

Hussey went on to praise pacer, Scott Boland, who has been excellent in the two Tests he has played so far. Boland took 4/36 and 3/30 in England’s first and second innings respectively, adding to the stunning six-wicket haul he took at the MCG.

“I think the advantage he’s got is he has played a lot of First-Class Cricket. He has a great understanding of his game and what he needs to do to have success. Quite often when young players come into the Test match arena, they are still trying to find out what their best game looks like and what it feels like. Scott Boland has been around for a long time, he’s had a lot of success.“

“He thoroughly deserved his opportunity to play for Australia. And what a performance it’s been in his first two Test matches. The showing in Melbourne, he showed that it wasn’t just a flash in the pan and he can back it up with another fantastic performance. He’s a captain’s dream. He’s so disciplined with his line and length. I think he’s the most accurate bowler that’s ever played for Australia.” Hussey added.

It’s the second consecutive thrilling draw played out at the SCG, with India having managed a similar feat when they toured back in 2020-21.

Also Read – Ashes 2021-22: I Can Still Get World-Class Players Out Meant A Lot: Stuart Broad