The Ashes 2021-22: Pat Cummins Looks As Though He Has Captained For A Long Time - Brett Lee

Former Australian speedster Brett Lee lavished praise on fellow pacer and newly-appointed Test captain, Pat Cummins after the latter led the way with the ball against England on his debut Test as captain.

Cummins took a five-wicket haul on Day 1 of the Gabba Test to put Australia in a commanding position. With his help, the Aussies restricted their opponents to a paltry score of 147 in the first innings after Joe Root opted to bat first.

Speaking about Cummins’ work as the skipper on the day, Brett Lee told foxsports.com.au: “He had a stroke of genius when he gets Green on, gets the breakthrough of the biggest partnership in the game and then takes him straight off because he brings on Josh Hazlewood because he can bowl at the tail. So that’s a captain that — if you’re watching, you wouldn’t think it’s his first game as captain. He looks as though he’s been around for a long time.”

“It has gone pretty well for Pat Cummins and even better than he thought” – Shane Warne

Former spinning legend, Shane Warne, also applauded the way Pat Cummins led his troops on the first day. Warne mentioned that it was quite the perfect first day as the captain and it’s something the Aussie skipper couldn’t even have anticipated.

“Cummins a five-for, as captain on day one. You get a wicket first ball, luckily you don’t win the toss and don’t have to make a decision and then you knock over the opposition for 147 and takes a five-for.”

“I reckon as far as him sitting back and thinking about his first day as captain, I reckon it’s gone pretty well for him and even better than he thought. Cummins was outstanding today,” Warne added.

The first day of the Gabba Test ended with England being bowled out for 147. Only two sessions could be completed as rain and poor light ensured that the final session was completely wiped out.

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