Australia reminded us here that they are the No 1 Test team in the world for a reason: Justin Langer

Australian skipper Pat Cummins led the side to a magnificent victory at Edgbaston in the first Test of the ongoing Ashes 2023 series on June 20, Tuesday. Cummins led from the front, as he showcased sheer composure both with the bat and the ball, scored the winning runs for his side under immense pressure, and helped Australia go one up in the five-match series.

Justin Langer, former Australia head coach feels Cummins' composed performance, under pressure, is the cure to England's ‘Bazball’ method of playing Test cricket. England troubled Australia on Day 5 of the first Test as both sides were in contention to win the game until Cummins’ walked in. The skipper notched up an unbeaten 44 off 73 deliveries and took his side home.

“Questions have been raised before, and indeed during this Test match, on what the antidote to Bazball might be. The Australian captain just showed the world; it is ice in the veins. Cummins showed that with the first ball of the series, and again last night on the last ball of the match. This time with a bat in his hands," Langer wrote in his column for The Daily Telegraph.

“Australia reminded us here that they are the No 1 Test team in the world for a reason. They trust their method. As they should. It works and they win consistently. For Cummins to keep his composure after a difficult first day, first ball even, showed the class of the man, especially in making his highest score for five years," Langer added.

If the summer remains dry and the pitches flat, Lyon will continue to rise: Langer

Alongside hitting the winning runs, Cummins also stitched up an unbeaten 55-run partnership with tail-ender Nathan Lyon for the ninth wicket. While pointing out that England's performance in the match was subpar due to the lack of a strong spinner, Langer praised Lyon for sticking with Cummins to help Australia win.

“Australia also have a key strength: Nathan Lyon. I thought he bowled brilliantly in this Test. Not only does he bowl a lot of overs and shoulder the load for the fast bowlers, but he also takes important wickets. He can also make a few handy runs, as England learnt at the death. In this series though, if the summer remains dry and the pitches flat, Lyon will continue to rise,” Langer added.