Pat Cummins continues his outstanding performance in 2024, building on his remarkable achievements in 2023 where he led Australia to retain the Ashes, win the World Test Championship, and secure the World Cup. In the third Test against Pakistan at Sydney, Cummins showcased his dominance once again by claiming his 12th Test five-wicket haul, achieving a rare hat-trick of five-wicket hauls.
Babar Azam, who struggled in Tests in 2023, initially displayed positive form, executing his signature cover drives with style. However, Cummins strategically targeted Babar by consistently landing the ball in the effective good-length area on the fifth stump. Babar, on 26 runs, fell victim to an in-dipper that swung in unexpectedly, causing him to miss the flick and resulting in an LBW dismissal.
This dismissal marked Cummins’ third time getting Babar out in the series, solidifying his dominance over the star Pakistan batter. Additionally, Cummins made history for Australia by becoming the first captain since Allan Border, after 35 years, to secure a five-for at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Cummins’ achievement echoed Allan Border’s feat in 1989, as the fifth Australian captain to take a five-wicket haul at the iconic SCG. Before Cummins, this remarkable feat was accomplished by George Giffin in 1895, Monty Noble in 1904, and Richie Benaud in 1959. Cummins’ impact was evident throughout the match, as Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood’s early dismissals set the tone for Pakistan’s struggles.
Despite a brief resistance from Agha Salman and Mohammad Rizwan, Cummins proved relentless, securing wickets and completing a legendary five-wicket haul with dismissals of Saud Shakeel, Sajid Khan, and Hasan Ali. This remarkable performance added to Cummins’ incredible run, contributing to Australia’s convincing 79-run victory.
In summary, Pat Cummins’ exceptional form and historic achievements in the third Test against Pakistan underscore his impact as a world-class cricketer and captain, further solidifying Australia’s cricketing success under his leadership.
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