Published: Jan 01, 2019, 01:51 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 01, 2019, 01:51 PM (IST)
Australia pacer Pat Cummins has been exceptional in the marquee ongoing four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series Down Under both with bat and ball. The 25-year-old Cummins claimed a terrific six-wicket haul in India’s second innings and added 63 off 114 balls in Australia’s second innings during the third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). However, despite his heroic efforts, the hosts fell to a 137-run defeat to go 2-1 down in the series.
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On New Year’s Day, the Indian and Australian team were hosted by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison at his official residence, the Kirribilli House in Sydney. Members of both teams posed with Morrison during the official photo session. The Indians looked dapper with their traditional Nehru coat, while the Aussies were dressed in their Team Australia t-shirts at the party.
Striking a pose#TeamIndia & Australia at the Australian Prime Minister’s residence pic.twitter.com/20ttzamgjG
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 1, 2019
During a light-hearted moment, Cummins, who has picked 13 wickets in the series so far, was stumped when a questioned was thrown at him if he could be the next Prime Minister.
“Lots of talk about you being Prime Minister?” a media professional asked in a video tweeted by Cricket Australia.
“I don’t know about that. His [Prime Minister Scott Morrison] job is a lot more stressful than what I have to do. I think he said it’s the only time of the year he gets to turn on the TV and watch cricket, so I don’t think I’d like that job,” he guffawed.
Pat Cummins for Prime Minister?#AUSvIND | @alintaenergy pic.twitter.com/rjJyUk0WCC
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 1, 2019
The fourth and final Test will begin on Thursday at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Earlier, Cummins had said that he is “happy” with his current role as the first-change bowler and playing at number eight.
“I am happy operating first change. (Mitchell Starc) Starcy and (Josh Hazlewod) Joshy probably present a better seam and swing the ball a bit more than me so wherever they need me I am happy,” International Cricket Council (ICC) quoted Cummins as saying.
“I think they are doing a good job there. I am pretty happy at No.8. It is a bit easier when I walk in and the bowlers have already bowled a few spells and the ball is a bit older. It is a much tougher job at the top of the order,” he added.
