Australian Test skipper Pat Cummins named special guest for The Chappell Foundation annual fundraising dinner

Australian Test skipper Pat Cummins is currently in Sri Lanka where his side is all geared up to register a clean sweep in the two-match Test series and has a packed schedule thereafter, but it has been learned that he is all set to make his appearance as a special guest at The Chappell Foundation annual fundraising dinner at the SCG on August 10.

The confirmation has been made by the Chairman of the Foundation Mr Darshak Mehtra. Thus, Cummins will be yet another Australian captain on this list to make his presence felt at cricket’s biggest charity event. His predecessors who had attended the Chappell Foundation annual fundraising dinner include the likes of former Test skipper Tim Paine, two-time World Cup-winning skipper Ricky Ponting, the late spin legend Shane Warne and Jimmy Barnes.

It’s a night for the tragic and the talented: Darshak Mehta

“We hear Cummins doesn’t mind an expensive wine having been introduced to the world of the fermented grape by no less than Dennis Lillee (a TCF patron). Cummins flew to Perth a few years back to work on fixing his bowling action with the former great. While that obviously worked a treat, the Australian captain says the wine habit he developed in the company of the great man has cost him a fortune since,” Mehta said according to Pak Observer.

“It’s a night for the tragic and the talented. Cummins, along with Ian, Greg, and Trevor Chappell and a host of former cricketers, will join guests for sundowner drinks on the sacred turf before heading upstairs for the evening, which concludes with the skipper and Tracey Holmes in conversation,” added Mehta.

Pat Cummins has taken Australia to newer heights in red-ball cricket ever since he has been given the responsibility of leading them from the front. He led them to an Ashes 2021/22 triumph over arch-rivals England 4-0 and followed it up with a 1-0 win in Pakistan in March. The Aussies have taken a 1-0 lead in the ongoing Sri Lanka Tests and a win here would ensure that they register a second straight series win in the subcontinent this year.