Australia captain Pat Cummins once again demonstrated his incredible athleticism, this time with a display of football skills during the second Test against India at the Adelaide Oval. On the final ball of the 31st over, Cummins showcased his sharp reflexes and versatility, stopping what seemed like a certain boundary off Nitish Kumar Reddy’s bat.
Bowling a full delivery on the stumps, Cummins was met with a textbook straight drive from Nitish. The ball raced off the bat, seemingly destined to reach the boundary. However, Cummins, in his follow-through, stuck out his right boot and expertly intercepted the ball. The well-timed save not only prevented four runs but also added an element of surprise to the moment.
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After the match, both players shared a laugh, showcasing their camaraderie. Known for his athleticism, Cummins remains one of cricket’s most well-rounded players, blending exceptional bowling with keen fielding abilities. His capacity to think quickly—quite literally—highlights his leadership qualities on the field.
How’s that for a save from Pat Cummins?#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/Fby96DebRu
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 6, 2024
Interestingly, Cummins and Nitish share a history of playing together in the IPL. Both represented Sunrisers Hyderabad during IPL 2024, with Cummins leading the side.
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The franchise has secured the duo for IPL 2025, allowing them to reunite in the same dressing room for the upcoming season. Such moments highlight the mutual respect and familiarity they’ve developed over the years, despite competing against each other in international cricket.
Australia (Playing XI): Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant(w), Rohit Sharma(c), Nitish Reddy, Ravichandran Ashwin, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj