Australia’s Test captain, Pat Cummins, capped off a stellar year with a thrilling 79-run victory over Pakistan in the second Test, securing a 2-0 series win for the home team. Cummins, who had led Australia to triumphs in the World Test Championship, the Ashes, and the ODI World Cup in 2023, showcased his prowess as both a captain and a bowler.

In the decisive Test, Cummins delivered a sensational performance, claiming back-to-back five-wicket hauls in both innings and finishing with a remarkable ten-wicket match haul. His outstanding contributions with the ball led Australia to another series triumph, emphasizing his leadership qualities and skill as a premier fast bowler.

The historic win for Cummins was not only significant for the series victory but also marked a personal milestone as he secured his 250th wicket in Test cricket. Joining an elite group of Australian bowlers, Cummins achieved this feat with the dismissal of Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan, a moment that added to the significance of the victory.

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However, the match was not without controversy, particularly surrounding the dismissal of Rizwan. With Pakistan chasing a challenging target of 320 runs, Rizwan came to the crease at a crucial juncture and showed aggression, accumulating 35 runs quickly. Cummins, recognizing the need for a breakthrough, bowled a delivery that appeared to brush against Rizwan’s wristband. Despite initial on-field not-out decision, the third umpire controversially overturned it after a review, sending Rizwan back to the pavilion.

Wicket 250 for Pat Cummins! 🎉

The third umpire decided the ball flicked Mohammad Rizwan’s sweatband on the way through. #MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance | #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/vTuDL5DmNB

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 29, 2023

The decision, based on minimal contact with the wristband rather than the gloves, sparked outrage from the Pakistani camp, with team director Mohammad Hafeez criticizing the impact of technology on the game. Hafeez expressed frustration with the umpire’s call on the Decision Review System (DRS), questioning the logic behind such decisions.

Test cricket, there is simply NOTHING like it!

An incredible day for our Aussie men as they secured the Boxing Day Test, and the series against Pakistan. Bring on Sydney!

Get your tickets to The Pink Test here: https://t.co/G8wMgQpIEM pic.twitter.com/YkGCctRxIc

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) December 29, 2023

In the post-match interviews, Australia’s wicketkeeper, Alex Carey, acknowledged the controversy, emphasizing the team’s perspective on the incident. However, Hafeez’s critique highlighted the ongoing debate about the role of technology in cricket and its impact on match outcomes.

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Despite the contentious decision, Cummins continued to make crucial breakthroughs, leading Australia to bowl out Pakistan for 237 runs and secure a 79-run victory in the Boxing Day Test. The result extended Pakistan’s losing streak in Australian Tests to 16 matches, showcasing the dominance of the home team and Cummins’ instrumental role in their success.