‘Might be an option to turn to’ - Pat Cummins gives hilarious response when questioned about underarm bowling possibility amid Ashes controversies

The second Test of the Ashes 2023 was full of ups and downs, with Australia strengthening their grip on the series with the second consecutive win. One of the biggest talking points of the game was the controversial dismissal of Jonny Bairstow. Despite being legal, the dismissal attracted major controversy as the English fans opined that it was against the spirit of the game. 

Bairstow’s controversial dismissal happened in the 52nd over of the second innings, when he left the ball from Cameron Green and instantly wandered off the crease to have a chat with the non-striker. However, Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey threw the ball at the stumps, and as Bairstow was not in the crease, he was deemed out.

As the dismissal attracted major controversies, Australian skipper Pat Cummins had a hilarious reply to a reporter when he was asked whether or not the Aussies would use underarm bowling as well after Bairstow’s dismissal. 

"Depends how flat the wickets get. Might be an option to turn to," Pat Cummins said in the post-match press conference. Furthermore, Cummins was also asked about whether or not he believes in the spirit of the game, to which the 30-year-old replied positively. 

Australia stop England to dominate the Ashes 2023 series after sealing Second Ashes Test

It is likely that Pat Cummins was asked about the underarm bowling due to the 1981 incident when Trevor Chappel bowled underarm to Kiwi batter Brian McKechnie when New Zealand needed a six off the last ball and was unable to do so due to the underarm delivery. 

Despite the major controversies on and off the field, the Aussies proved just why they are currently one of the best Test teams in world cricket. As England looked to chase down a target of 371 runs to win the game, Ben Duckett and skipper Ben Stokes did play fabulous knocks, scoring 83 and 155 runs, respectively.

However, it did not prove to be enough in the end, as Australia’s bowling attack was too much to handle for the hosts, and the Pat Cummins-led side won the game by 43 runs.