Pat Cummins Career

image-lqxf92xo Pat Cummins [x.com]

Australian speedster, Pat Cummins’ international career has been as fascinating as his bowling. Discovered as a prodigious talent, Cummins made his Test debut at the tender age of 18, showcasing his potential as a future star. However, his path to glory was not straightforward. After a sensational start against South Africa at the Wanderers, where he claimed seven wickets to clinch a thrilling victory, Cummins faced a challenging period marked by recurring injuries.

Despite his debut for New South Wales in the 2010-11 season and a standout performance in his first Big Bash season, Cummins' promising career was put on hold. Struggling with repeated stress fractures in his lower back, he was sidelined from Test cricket for an agonising six years. It wasn't until the 2017 tour of India that he made a thumping return.

Cummins' resurgence coincided with a turbulent time in Australian cricket, marred by the infamous ball-tampering scandal. During this period of upheaval, he emerged as a source of hope. Though he missed the 2018 winter tours due to injury, his subsequent performances against India and Sri Lanka earned him the Test vice-captaincy.

His relentless pace and stamina on the field led to his recognition as the world's No. 1 Test bowler and the recipient of the Allan Border Medal for the 2018-19 season. His contributions were massive in the 2019 Ashes and the home series against India.

Here’s a look at Pat Cummins’ career in detail.

Pat Cummins' early career

Born in Westmead, New South Wales, Cummins' early life was shaped by his close-knit family, including two brothers and two sisters. He attended St Paul's Grammar School, where his passion for cricket began to blossom. As a young boy, Cummins looked up to Australian cricket legend Brett Lee, a figure who would later become both a teammate and an inspiration in his cricketing journey.

Tragedy struck early in Cummins' life when, at the tender age of three, he lost the top of his middle finger on his right hand, his dominant hand, due to an unfortunate accident involving his sister and a door. This setback, however, did not deter his cricketing aspirations.

Rising Through the Ranks

Cummins' cricketing talents were nurtured in the Blue Mountains, where he played junior cricket for the Glenbrook-Blaxland Cricket Club. His potential was evident from a young age, leading him to play first-grade cricket for the Penrith District Cricket Club by 2010. That same year marked significant milestones in his budding career as he represented New South Wales in the National Under-17 championships, followed by appearances for the NSW Under-19 side.

Pat Cummins' Domestic Career

Cummins' early career was marked by a standout performance in the Big Bash 2010-11. In the preliminary final against Tasmania, his remarkable figures of 4 for 16 not only earned him the Man of the Match title but also saw him finish as one of the tournament's leading wicket-takers.

In March 2011, Cummins' first-class debut came against Tasmania at just 17 years old, where he returned impressive figures of 2/80. His performance in the final three matches of the 2010/11 Sheffield Shield season, including a gruelling final where he bowled 65 overs.

However, the season ended on a challenging note as Cummins was sidelined from the Australia A tour of Zimbabwe due to a back injury, an early sign of the physical demands the sport would place on his young body.

Pat Cummins' Test Career

A Stellar Debut and Early Promise (2011)

Cummins' journey in Test cricket began with a Cricket Australia contract in June 2011, marking the start of an illustrious yet challenging phase. His Test debut came in November 2011 against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. This debut was remarkable as it was only his fourth first-class match, making him Australia's youngest Test cricketer since Ian Craig in 1953, at 18 years and 193 days.

In this match, Cummins not only took impressive figures of 1/38 and 6/79, but also hit the winning runs, earning him the Man of the Match award. However, an injury sustained during the game sidelined him for the entire 2011–12 summer.

Overcoming Injuries and a Triumphant Return (2017)

Cummins' return to Test cricket came after a long hiatus, marked by repeated injuries. He made a comeback in March 2017 during a Sheffield Shield match, which was his first in six years. His performance there led to his selection as a replacement for the injured Mitchell Starc in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Cummins bowled 79 overs across the final two Test matches.

Rising to Prominence in the Ashes and Beyond (2017-2018)

His role in the 2017–18 Ashes series was pivotal. Cummins took 23 wickets, topping the wicket-taking charts and demonstrating his skills as a lower-order batter. He continued to impress in the 2017–18 series against South Africa, where he scored his first Test half-century and took 22 wickets. Cummins' performance against India in the 2018–19 series further solidified his reputation, even in a losing cause.

Elevating to Vice-Captaincy and Top Rankings (2019)

In 2019, Cummins was appointed as one of Australia's Test vice-captains and led the team to an innings win against Sri Lanka at the Gabba, taking his maiden 10-wicket haul. He was also awarded the Allan Border Medal and became the world's number 1 ranked Test bowler. Cummins' impact was significant in the 2019 Ashes series, claiming 29 wickets and becoming the leading wicket-taker.

Captaincy and Setting New Milestones (2021-2023)

His ascendancy continued as he captained Australia in the 2021–22 Ashes series, leading the team to a 4–0 victory and topping the wicket-taking charts. He then led the Aussies to their maiden World Test Championship win in June 2023.

Cummins also captained Australia to a series win in Pakistan in the inaugural Benaud-Qadir Trophy and led the team in the retention of the trophy in December 2023, achieving a personal milestone of 250 test dismissals. He picked 10 wickets in the second Test and helped Australia clinch the series. The Aussie captain followed it up with another fifer in the first innings of the final Test in Sydney.

Pat Cummins' ODI Career

Early Impact and Overcoming Challenges

Cummins burst onto the ODI scene in 2011, debuting against South Africa. His immediate impact was undeniable, taking ten wickets in his first series and displaying a remarkable ability to adjust to different formats. However, Cummins' early ODI career was a rollercoaster, with injuries causing frequent interruptions. Each return to the ODI squad, though, saw Cummins bring a renewed energy and strategic depth.

Key Role in World Cup Victories

Cummins' significant role in Australia's triumphant ICC World Cup 2015 campaign underscored his growing stature in international cricket. His knack for claiming vital wickets and applying pressure at crucial junctures of matches was proof of his evolving skill set. This performance established him as an integral part of the Australian ODI team.

Recognition and Milestones

The pinnacle of Cummins' ODI achievements came in 2019 with the Allan Border Medal, acknowledging him as the standout Australian cricketer over the previous year. This accolade was a nod to his consistency and excellence, particularly in the ODI format. In 2020, Cummins reached the landmark of 100 ODI wickets during a tour in South Africa, further cementing his reputation as a top bowler. His significant contributions during the ICC World Cup 2019 in England highlighted his adaptability to different conditions, a crucial trait for any international cricketer.

ICC World Cup 2023: Leadership and Triumph

The ICC World Cup 2023 in India marked a new chapter in Cummins' ODI career, characterized by his ascendancy as a leader. Heading into the tournament as one of the least experienced captains, Cummins faced the formidable challenge of leading a team in a high-pressure environment. Australia's start to the tournament was shaky, losing their initial matches. However, under Cummins' captaincy, the team produced a remarkable turnaround, culminating in a thrilling victory against host nation India in the final.

Cummins' performance throughout the tournament was outstanding, with 15 wickets across 11 matches, demonstrating his mastery over the subcontinent conditions. His economical bowling, with an average of 5.75, played a vital role in curbing the scoring of opposing teams.

Highlight Performance and Tactical Mastery

A highlight of the tournament for Cummins was his part in a record-breaking 202-run ninth-wicket stand against Afghanistan. Despite a slow personal contribution of 12 runs from 68 balls, this partnership was instrumental in shifting the momentum in Australia's favour. Cummins' captaincy reached a zenith in the final against India, where his tactical decisions and key wickets, including those of Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, were pivotal. His exceptional leadership and performance, particularly in the final, earned him accolades from fans and cricket pundits alike.

Pat Cummins T20I Career

Debut and Immediate Impact

Cummins' foray into T20Is cricket began in 2011 against South Africa, heralding the rise of a bowler tailor-made for the electrifying pace of the game's shortest format. From his debut, Cummins exhibited an ability to adapt to the high-octane environment of T20 matches. His fast, precise, and often devastating bowling quickly established him as a key player for Australia in T20Is.

Rising Star in T20 World Cup 2012

The T20 World Cup in 2012 was a significant milestone for Cummins. It was here that he demonstrated his potential in T20 cricket, combining his raw pace with a keen understanding of batsmen's tactics. This ability to anticipate and counter the strategies of the opposition batsmen made him a formidable opponent.

Battling Adversity and Comebacks

Despite his burgeoning career, Cummins' journey was not without its challenges. Injuries intermittently interrupted his progress, leading to periods away from the T20I scene. However, Cummins' tenacity and drive to overcome these setbacks were evident in each of his comebacks. Upon his return, he consistently delivered performances that reaffirmed his standing as a top-tier fast bowler in the international arena.

Evolving as a T20 Specialist

Cummins' skill set in T20Is evolved remarkably over the years. Known for his lethal death bowling, he mastered the art of delivering accurate yorkers, a skill that proved invaluable in the final overs of the game. Moreover, he developed an arsenal of variations, including slower balls and off-cutters, which were crucial in adapting to diverse pitches and playing conditions. His ability to mix pace and guile made him an unpredictable and challenging bowler to face.

The T20 World Cup 2021 Success

The T20 World Cup 2021 was a defining moment in Cummins' T20I career. During this tournament, he played a pivotal role in Australia's performance. His contributions were crucial in leading Australia to its first-ever victory in the tournament. Cummins' performances in high-pressure situations showcased not just his bowling skills but also his mental strength and strategic brilliance.

Pat Cummins IPL Career

Early Years in the IPL (2014-2015)

Cummins embarked on his IPL journey in 2014, joining the ranks of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). During his initial run in the 2014 IPL, Cummins began making a name for himself in the high-profile tournament. He continued this momentum into the 2015 season, further solidifying his position as a promising talent in the league.

Period of Transition (2016-2019)

Cummins' IPL career, however, has been marked by intermittent breaks. He stepped away from the league in 2016 and shifted his allegiances to the Delhi Daredevils (renamed Delhi Capitals) in 2017. A hiatus from the IPL in the 2018 and 2019 seasons underscored the challenges Cummins faced in juggling commitments to international cricket alongside his league engagements.

Record-Breaking Auction and Performance (2020-2021)

In a turn of events that grabbed headlines in the 2020 IPL auction, Cummins returned to KKR. He was acquired for a whopping ₹15.5 crore (approximately A$2.8 million), making him one of the most expensive overseas players in IPL auction history. His commitment to KKR persisted into the 2021 season, despite accepting a reduced fee of ₹7.25 crore (approximately A$1.3 million). Between 2014 and 2021, Cummins played 37 IPL matches, claiming 38 wickets, and demonstrating his adaptability to varied pitch conditions.

The 2021 season was particularly notable for Cummins. He played in seven matches, took nine wickets, and contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 93 runs. A standout moment in his career occurred in April 2022, when he equalled the record for the IPL's then-fastest half-century, achieving 50 runs in just 14 balls against Mumbai Indians.

Prioritizing National Duties and a New Beginning (2023-2024)

Cummins opted out of the IPL 2023 season, focusing instead on his commitments with the Australian national team, including the Ashes series and the World Cup 2023. In a remarkable twist, the IPL 2024 auction saw Cummins making waves again.

He was snapped up by Sunrisers Hyderabad for a staggering ₹20.5 crore (approximately A$3.7 million), ranking him as the second-most-expensive player in the history of the IPL, only behind his teammate Mitchell Starc in the same auction. This move signified a new chapter in Cummins' IPL career, showcasing his appeal and value in the league.