Pat Cummins has discovered an unlikely ally in England chief Ben Stokes, together with his arch-rival labelling calls to strip the Australian of the captaincy as unwarranted.
Cummins has remained unfazed by criticism previously week, brushing apart calls from the likes of Darren Berry that he ought to resign as captain.
Test greats Mark Waugh and Glenn McGrath have additionally questioned the fast’s means to captain and lead the bowling assault, after Australia’s poor Test in Manchester.
But Stokes was past shocked to be taught of any requires Cummins to step apart when requested forward of Thursday’s closing Test, bemused on the very considered the concept.
“I’m not sure why someone would say he should give it up,” Stokes stated.
“I think he’s done a great job for Australia. I don’t know who has made those comments but I think he’s done a great job for Australian cricket, taking over at the time he did.
“It’s in all probability a bit bit unwarranted from whoever stated that, and that is coming from an Englishman to an Australian.”
Cummins has made clear this week he has no plans to step aside as skipper.
In his first two years as captain, Cummins has taken Australia to 11 Test wins and lost four.
They have also won the Ashes at home, have a chance to do so away at The Oval this week and claimed the World Test Championship mace last month.
As a bowler Cummins has also taken 114 wickets in 20 Tests at an average of 24.61, with only a slight rise in his average compared to before the captaincy.
Cummins has been the first to admit he did not get it right in last week’s Manchester draw, as Australia lost control of the match and England 592 in their only innings.
But the 30-year-old also believes he will leave England a better captain after the Ashes.
“I hope so. I’ve actually been uncovered to extra,” Cummins stated.
“Some groups have seen passages of play which I have never seen earlier than. Having 9 fielders out.
“Hopefully I can adapt a bit more and a bit quicker for this week.Hopefully I’m a bit better.
“I do not assume I used to be at my finest final week however hopefully I’ll be higher this week.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
