Pat Cummins opens up on close win against Pakistan in Boxing Day Test

Australia Test and ODI skipper Pat Cummins seems to be relieved from the victory against Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test. Batting first, the team managed only 318 all-out after being 204/3 at one stage. In reply, Pakistan started well with 124/1 but was bowled out for 262. Leading by 52 runs, the home team lost four wickets for 16 runs. However, the World Test Championship holders set a target of 317 runs.

The Asian side was going well with 219/5, needing 98 runs to win with five wickets. However, thanks to Cummins’ five-wicket haul, the Shaheens were bowled out for 237 runs, losing by 79 runs. With this, the Aussies won the series by 2-0 with one game left. Meanwhile, after the game, the Australian skipper said that the team had enough runs to defend.

A little bit twitchy as Pakistan batted nicely: Pat Cummins

“Little bit twitchy, felt okay but they were batting pretty nicely,” said Pat Cummins.

“Anything with a three in front of it was the aim, so we got that,” he added of the target they wanted to set Pakistan. “Felt like we had enough to bowl at but a little bit tight.”

On the other hand, Pakistan skipper Shan Masood said that chasing 317 runs was always going to be a difficult task.

“We have to look at the bigger picture. The smiles are that there are a lot of positives,” said Pakistan captain Masood.

“This is the way we want to play Test cricket, fighting until the end and a result was possible for us. A lot to work on. But this is a blueprint.”