Pat Cummins has admitted that a tactical rethink was in the works after Australia escaped jail in the rain-soaked Old Trafford Test to retain the Ashes trophy. The visitors can no longer lose the series after England’s dominant position in Manchester was shattered by inclement weather, but the hosts will carry the momentum they gained in Leeds back to London for the fifth Test at The Oval, where the hosts will look to cement their recent dominance by drawing the series.
Given how far behind England they were in the fourth Test, the Australians, who are still trying to win their first Test series in England since 2001, have had to keep their celebrations of regaining the Ashes under wraps. “I don’t think there will be huge celebrations,” Cummins said to reporters on Sunday (July 23). “Perhaps a pat on the back for keeping the (Ashes).” A lot of effort has gone into getting us to the point where a draw ensures we keep the Ashes. But we have a Test match in three days, so it will be our sole focus.”
Australia’s worst performance came in the middle session of Day 2 when England scored at nearly seven runs per over. Zak Crawley hit 189 at nearly a run per ball, while Jonny Bairstow hit 99 off 81 deliveries. Three other England bats hit 50, as the seasoned combination of Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh allowed 392 runs.
“That two-hour block in the middle of the session wasn’t our best,” Cummins admitted. “We tried a few different plans at them, and maybe they’ll work another day; a couple of the edges carry through or some of the catches go to hand, but I thought they batted well.”
Cummins himself was far from the kind of performance that had him ranked second in the ICC Test bowler rankings. At nearly six runs per over, his 23 overs cost 129 runs, the most he’s conceded in a Test innings. Cummins’ bowling difficulties were exacerbated when he lost a simple catch and another half-chance.
Perhaps it was the strain of captaining an away Ashes series against a ruthless opponent, but Cummins himself couldn’t pinpoint the cause of his off-key performance.
“As a bowler, it’s frustrating that I didn’t bowl very well at all, not up to the standards I try to keep myself to,” Cummins said. “I don’t think [captaincy] played a role… Simply put, execution. I crossed more boundaries than I usually do. Only one or two poor balls every over.
“I really don’t know [why].” “Rhythm felt pretty good, and I felt pretty clear in my own mind with plans, so I’m not sure.”
Australia’s batting did not fare much better, with only Marnus Labuschagne scoring 50 and 100 in the two innings, while the rest of the top-order was tormented by Mark Wood’s pace. Cummins conceded that they needed to improve across the board and with their strategies coming into the fifth Test, which begins in three days.
“You definitely consider what you can do differently next time.” “That will undoubtedly be part of this week,” he said. “I believe there are some obvious things we could do differently.” Maybe some plans, based on how we bowled. We’re happy as a team to have maintained the Ashes, but it comes after a rough week. We know we have a lot of work to do for next week, as well as a few changes to make.”
