Hussey Rates Cummins-led Australia Among the Elite Teams
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New Delhi, Jan 6 (NationPress) Former Australian batsman Mike Hussey is of the opinion that the Test team, captained by Pat Cummins, stands among the top sporting teams in Australia. Their recent triumph against India with a score of 3-1 to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade places Australia as holders of every bilateral series victory, including the 2023 World Test Championship mace.
“I believe they truly deserve to be considered among the best, as they have achieved almost everything. They’ve secured the Ashes and won World Cups. While Test cricket differs from white-ball cricket, this victory over India is significant in Pat Cummins’ captaincy,” he stated.
“Their ability to maintain this core group for an extended period is remarkable. We have emphasized the bowling unit and the numerous wickets they have taken together. It’s been extraordinary,” he added.
“Only time will provide a true assessment, as it’s challenging to compare different eras. However, I firmly believe they are going to be recognized as one of the best,” Hussey mentioned during his conversation with Fox Sports on Monday.
Cummins took on the role of Australia’s Test captain ahead of the 2021/22 Ashes after Tim Paine stepped down due to an off-field issue, and since then, he has adeptly led the team to major victories in bilateral Test series, in addition to clinching the ODI World Cup in India in 2023.
As the Test captain, Cummins has achieved 130 Test wickets at an average of 23.50, while also winning the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, awarded to the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year, in 2023.
Former Australian spinner Kerry O’Keeffe remarked that Cummins has guided the Test side excellently during his time, despite opinions that they are an aging team. “This is significant because if they lose, questions about the team's age will arise. Their legacy shows that age is merely a number as they continue to win,” he noted.
“Although they are an older team, they maintain that age is just a number if they keep securing series wins and important Tests. Last year presented moments where they could have faltered. Even in New Zealand, they were fortunate to prevail. Additionally, in Pakistan, if they hadn't squandered their opportunities, they could have easily lost. The legacy of this team is that they are older but remain an exceptional team,” he stated.
