NEW DELHI: Two-time World Cup winner Shane Watson has lauded Pat Cummins for his exemplary leadership and resilience in guiding Australia to an unprecedented sixth World Cup triumph. Despite facing challenges and scrutiny after losses in the ODI dress rehearsal series and initial defeats in the World Cup, Cummins showcased exceptional leadership, leading Australia to a historic victory in the global showpiece event.
Cummins’ appointment as ODI skipper came in the wake of Aaron Finch‘s sudden retirement last year, with the World Cup in India as the primary focus.The pacer faced scepticism after Australia lost the ODI series against India but showed remarkable composure and tactical acumen during the World Cup.
In the latest episode of The ICC Review podcast, Shane Watson praised Cummins, stating, “For Australia to be able to win this World Cup here in India with the support, and things going against Pat Cummins, he’s just done it, made the transition so easily.”
Watson highlighted Cummins’ limited experience as a captain, emphasising the significance of the decisions he made during the final against India.
Watson, a key member of Australia’s victorious 2007 and 2015 World Cup campaigns, expressed his admiration for Cummins’ leadership, stating, “The decisions he made today (Sunday), his tactics were absolutely spot on.”
Reflecting on Australia’s win in India, Watson noted that it was a unique achievement, and he had never seen an Australian team win in such challenging conditions.
The former all-rounder commended Cummins for galvanising the team and turning around their performance after early setbacks. Watson acknowledged the shift in intensity in Cummins after the second game, emphasising the captain’s pivotal role in Australia’s success.
Travis Head‘s stellar performance in the final also earned high praise from Watson. The left-handed opener played a crucial role, scoring a century and steering Australia from a precarious position to a formidable total. Watson described Head as a high-risk, high-reward batter who showcased fearlessness and freedom in his approach.
Travis Head’s impact in the World Cup, especially in challenging conditions, was hailed as a revelation by Watson. The former cricketer acknowledged Head’s contributions across all formats and highlighted his ability to perform under pressure.
Australia’s triumph in the World Cup, led by Cummins and featuring standout performances from players like Travis Head, marks a significant achievement in the team’s history. The resilience and leadership exhibited by Cummins throughout the tournament have earned him admiration, solidifying his role as a key figure in Australian cricket.
(With inputs from PTI)
Cummins’ appointment as ODI skipper came in the wake of Aaron Finch‘s sudden retirement last year, with the World Cup in India as the primary focus.The pacer faced scepticism after Australia lost the ODI series against India but showed remarkable composure and tactical acumen during the World Cup.
In the latest episode of The ICC Review podcast, Shane Watson praised Cummins, stating, “For Australia to be able to win this World Cup here in India with the support, and things going against Pat Cummins, he’s just done it, made the transition so easily.”
Watson highlighted Cummins’ limited experience as a captain, emphasising the significance of the decisions he made during the final against India.
Watson, a key member of Australia’s victorious 2007 and 2015 World Cup campaigns, expressed his admiration for Cummins’ leadership, stating, “The decisions he made today (Sunday), his tactics were absolutely spot on.”
Reflecting on Australia’s win in India, Watson noted that it was a unique achievement, and he had never seen an Australian team win in such challenging conditions.
The former all-rounder commended Cummins for galvanising the team and turning around their performance after early setbacks. Watson acknowledged the shift in intensity in Cummins after the second game, emphasising the captain’s pivotal role in Australia’s success.
Travis Head‘s stellar performance in the final also earned high praise from Watson. The left-handed opener played a crucial role, scoring a century and steering Australia from a precarious position to a formidable total. Watson described Head as a high-risk, high-reward batter who showcased fearlessness and freedom in his approach.
Travis Head’s impact in the World Cup, especially in challenging conditions, was hailed as a revelation by Watson. The former cricketer acknowledged Head’s contributions across all formats and highlighted his ability to perform under pressure.
Australia’s triumph in the World Cup, led by Cummins and featuring standout performances from players like Travis Head, marks a significant achievement in the team’s history. The resilience and leadership exhibited by Cummins throughout the tournament have earned him admiration, solidifying his role as a key figure in Australian cricket.
(With inputs from PTI)
