Cummins performed a pivotal position, remaining unbeaten on 44 as he orchestrated a commanding chase of 281, partnering with Nathan Lyon for an unbroken ninth-wicket stand of 55 on the ultimate day.
When questioned about this win, Cummins, who just lately guided Australia to triumph within the World Take a look at Championship closing towards India, responded emphatically, stating, “Primary. Yeah. Yeah, completely. Begin of an Ashes collection. Primary.”
Each Cummins and Lyon had been concerned in one other unforgettable Ashes encounter in the course of the drawn 2019 collection when England captain Ben Stokes‘s heroic unbeaten century led his aspect to a dramatic one-wicket victory at Headingley.
Reflecting on that match, Cummins admitted, “Yeah, I might be mendacity if I mentioned it did not (cross my thoughts). We had been on the opposite aspect of 1 within the final collection right here. While you’re on the opposite aspect, it looks like one which’s obtained away and it actually hurts.”
Expressing his satisfaction, Cummins added, “It is a actually pleased dressing room in there. A variety of these guys had been there at Headingley, and to clinch one which was maybe out of our grasp for a short while there’s fairly satisfying.”
Whereas England adopted an aggressive method by declaring on the primary day, Australia adhered to a extra conventional red-ball technique, even on the rain-affected closing day. Usman Khawaja‘s affected person knocks of 141 and 65 exemplified Australia’s methodology, unaffected by the chants of “boring, boring Aussies” from sections of the Edgbaston crowd.
Reflecting on the ambiance, Cummins remarked, “The followers had been fairly noisy out on the hill. Win or lose, we’re fairly snug with how we go about it.”
Cummins, aiming to turn into the primary Australian captain since Steve Waugh in 2001 to win an Ashes collection in England, emphasised Australia’s constant efficiency over the previous two years, stating, “We have been actually good for the final 20 Take a look at matches over two years… We’re at our greatest once we play at our personal tempo and tempo.”
The victory within the opening match of this five-match collection marked a memorable week for Cummins, who tragically misplaced his mom, Maria, earlier this yr. Celebrating on the balcony, he was joined by his father, Peter, making the second all of the extra particular. Recounting the week’s occasions, Cummins shared, “Dad was right here in 2019 with Mum, so having him right here was actually particular. I went with him to see Bruce Springsteen (at Villa Park) on the primary night time as properly. So, it has been week.”
With such a outstanding begin, Cummins and his Australian crew have set the stage for a gripping Ashes collection, leaving cricket fans eagerly awaiting the subsequent encounters.
(With inputs from AFP)
