Pat Cummins came up with a stunning all round effort in the third Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. However, his heroics went in vain as India thrashed the hosts by 137 runs to go 2-1 up in the four-match series. In a match where the hosts were thoroughly outplayed, Cummins was their sole bright spot.
On the first day of the match, he was the only bowler to have his name in the wicket-column. He picked up both the Indian wickets that fell on day one. But it was his performance in the second innings that made the cricketing world garner praise on him. Australia had looked all but out of the game after being bowled out for just 151 in the first innings while replying to India’s massive total of 443 for 7.
However, Cummins fired on all cylinders with the ball and gave Australia some hope of pulling off a miracle. He had reduced India to 32 for 4 and had finished the innings with a career-best 6 for 27 before India declared on 106 for 8, setting Australia a massive target of 399. Cummins’ teammates faltered with the bat too. However, he held firm from one end and ensured that Australia end up with a respectable 261 after being reduced to 135 for 5. Cummins scored a career-best 63 to push the game to day five.
Cummins has received praise from all over for his stunning all round show. And after the loss he won more hearts with his beautiful message. He took to Twitter to credit India for their dominating performance, writing:
“India were too good in Melbourne and showed why they are ranked #1. Desperate to turn it round in Sydney and I think 2-2 would be a great effort against a very good side. Can’t wait. ??”
India were too good in Melbourne and showed why they are ranked #1. Desperate to turn it round in Sydney and I think 2-2 would be a great effort against a very good side. Can’t wait. ?? https://t.co/a2yOOBUcMu
— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) December 30, 2018
The fourth and final Test will get underway on January 3 in Sydney.