Pat Cummins’ on-field and ball-handling prowess has been cited by Shane Watson as the pivotal moment in Australia’s victory against Sri Lanka at the 2023 World Cup.
At the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Monday, October 16, the Aussies chose to set a target and bundled out the Lankan Lions for 209 after Cummins recorded figures of 2/32 in seven overs and caused a run-out. The five-time winners then opened their account in the competition with a five-wicket victory with about 15 overs remaining.
Watson was asked to identify the turning point for Australia in the match on Monday during an interview on the Star Sports program “Match Point.” He replied:
“To me, the turning point was Pat Cummins. His first over that he bowled was just very different from what we have seen in this World Cup so far. He had more energy behind the ball. You could see this game really meant something to him.”
Shane Watson
The right-arm seamer gave it his all on the field, the former Australia all-rounder continued, which improved the team’s performance. He declared:
“He really put it all on the line, and he lifted the whole team in the field but also with the ball. So for me, Pat Cummins with his first over that he bowled, that was the turning point as things were different and he really led from the front today which was what he needed to do.”
Shane Watson
Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera’s opening-wicket partnership of 125 runs was broken by Cummins, who had the former beautifully caught by David Warner at deep square leg with a short ball. Then, to cause a collapse in Sri Lanka’s batting, he castled Perera with an approaching delivery from the area around the wicket.
Pat Cummins’ superb performance with ball and run-out: Aaron Finch’s praise
When asked whether Pat Cummins’ performance was the game’s biggest plus for Australia, Aaron Finch responded:
“Really good captain’s performance I think. The run-out was special but the energy that he created with the ball was fantastic. Not much was happening off the surface. He is someone who likes to take it upon himself to get the job done and he certainly did that today.”
Aaron Finch
Cummins received criticism for his subpar bowling and lackluster leadership during Australia’s losses against South Africa and India. Even his position on the team was questioned, but his game-changing performance on Monday silenced his detractors.