Pat Cummins represents his nation on and off the field with dignity and commitment: Anthony Albanese

Australia grabbed a crucial 1-0 lead in the ongoing Ashes 2023 series after beating England by two wickets in the closing stages of Day 5 in Birmingham. Captain Pat Cummins resurrected Australia's innings when they were 227/8, still requiring 54 runs for victory. The 30-year-old stitched an invaluable 55-run partnership with Nathan Lyon and helped Australia get over the line in the thrilling affair.

Prior to his match-winning 44-run knock in the fourth innings, Cummins picked up four English wickets to keep their lead below 300. The match got over just before 4:30 am on the eastern Australian seaboard. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese gave his reaction to the encounter, hailing it as one of the best Test matches of all time.

“Today in workplaces around Australia there will be a few yawns, I suspect, because overnight there was quite a remarkable result in one of the greatest Test matches of all time,” Anthony Albanese was quoted as saying by The Guardian.

Albanese went on to lavish praise on Cummins for his performance as captain and also lauded the team for playing the match with smiles on their faces.

“And to our captain Patrick Cummins, what a remarkable show of leadership. I think one of the best things about it was the fact that they smiled all the way through. They enjoyed it so much and it was as if there was no pressure whatsoever," the Australian PM continued.

“He is a legend and a great Australian on and off the field. Pat Cummins represents his nation on and off the field with dignity and commitment, and we are very proud of him and the entire team today,” Albanese further stated.

Anthony Albanese reveals communication with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after Ashes win

The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, also said that he received a congratulatory message from UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after Australia secured the important win at Edgbaston.

 The 31st Prime Minister of Australia commended his counterpart from the UK as the English team played with “courage and conviction” and “showed the sort of spirit and sportsmanship which their team is certainly known for”.

Albanese said that the series has started well and he is expecting great things in the matches to come as well.

“We look forward to a great series,” Albanese said. “This has been an extraordinary beginning and we look forward to the next four Tests,” he concluded.