We won't be getting caught up in too many grand plans for Ashes: Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins is all set to make his captaincy debut. The fact that it’s in the Ashes, i.e. in the mother of all battles, makes the occasion even bigger. All eyes will be on the newly-appointed Aussie Test skipper and his leadership skills.

However, this doesn’t change his responsibilities as a player, as the 28-year-old is currently the number one ranked Test bowler. Moreover, his record at the Gabba is spectacular, to say the least. With 25 wickets, at an average of 17.92 at Australia’s fortress, a lot will depend on Cummins the captain as well as Cummins the player during the first Ashes Test.

The fact that bowlers don’t generally get to captain sides makes it even more interesting. His captaincy skills are going to be put to test as the mighty English side will look to take the Urn back to merry-old London. Besides, the Aussies are playing their first Test since January this year due to COVID-19.

I look around our team and we’ve got a pretty special side: Pat Cummins

The pacer had a clear and strong message for his side, which was to focus on their performance and use their skills to the best of their ability, instead of worrying about the opposition. “We’ll be concentrating on what we do really well,” Cummins said ahead of Ashes as quoted by Cricbuzz.

“We won’t be getting caught up in too many grand plans or changing too much of what we do for certain players. We’ve got a few ideas, but I don’t think you’ll see too different to what we normally do,” he said. Australia’s new Test captain also spoke about his tenure as Aaron Finch’s deputy.

“I’ve really enjoyed being vice-captain under ‘Finchy’ the last two or three years, I think the environment we created in the World Cup is a blueprint. It’s slightly different, T20s and Test cricket, (and) the demands, but I think the relaxed environment, empowering everyone to do it their own way (is the same). I think most people play their best when they’re relaxed and focused,” he added.