Cricket

Pat Cummins' pivotal role in the controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow at Lord's, which ignited the 2023 Ashes series, has been revealed in the upcoming documentary series "The Test." The incident, which occurred on the fourth day of the second Test, sparked intense controversy and abuse directed at the Australian team.Cummins, the Australian captain, admitted that he instructed wicketkeeper Alex Carey to throw at the stumps after Bairstow stepped out of his crease. Carey's accurate throw resulted in Bairstow's dismissal, leading to a heated confrontation between the two teams.The documentary reveals the extent of the abuse faced by the Australians, with MCC members in the Long Room verbally attacking them and even physically assaulting David Warner. Carey, in particular, became a target of significant online and social media abuse, prompting the involvement of Australia's cybersecurity police.The incident had a profound impact on Carey's well-being, with his form declining and his place in the ODI side being lost. Teammates expressed concern for his mental health, acknowledging that the abuse he endured was disproportionate and unfair.Despite the controversy, Cummins maintained that the dismissal was legitimate. "It was clear-cut, it was out," he stated. However, the incident highlighted the intense rivalry between England and Australia and the pressure-cooker atmosphere of Ashes cricket.The documentary also delves into Australia's subsequent collapse at Headingley, where they squandered a commanding position. Marnus Labuschagne admitted that his reckless slog sweep against Moeen Ali was a turning point in the match.In the final Test at The Oval, Australia's hopes were raised by a century opening stand between Usman Khawaja and David Warner. However, a ball change by the umpires, which the Australians believed was significantly harder and shinier, halted their momentum.Despite a valiant effort by Steve Smith and Travis Head, England's bowlers ultimately prevailed, securing a series victory. The Australians acknowledged that they could have adapted better to the changed ball conditions but expressed disappointment at the missed opportunity.Overall, the documentary provides an intimate look at the highs and lows of the 2023 Ashes series, highlighting the intense rivalry, controversies, and personal challenges faced by the players.

The introduction of the 'Impact Player' rule in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has sparked debate, with some arguing that it benefits all-rounders while others believe it has created a nightmare for bowlers. Sunrisers Hyderabad's left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed falls into the latter camp, expressing concerns that the rule has given batters an unfair advantage.Ahmed, who has played 12 games this season, has scored 186 runs at a strike rate of 138. However, his bowling has been less impressive, with only three wickets to his name at an economy rate of 10.60. He attributes this to the 'Impact Player' rule, which allows teams to substitute a player during the match."Now every team has nine batters, an all-rounder, and eight batters," Ahmed explained. "Teams are looking for players who can strike big from ball one and carry on the momentum. The 'Impact Player' rule has affected bowlers more than all-rounders because it gives batters the cushion to play freely."Ahmed believes that teams have become more adept at using the 'Impact Player' as the season has progressed. This has led to a decline in the role of all-rounders, who are now getting fewer opportunities to bowl."The teams didn't know much about how to use it (Impact Player) last season," Ahmed said. "The all-rounders have a reduced role, which means they are getting lesser chances to bowl unlike earlier times when they used to bowl four overs."Despite the challenges posed by the 'Impact Player' rule, Ahmed has praised the leadership of Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins. He credits Cummins with creating a stress-free environment in the dressing room, which has contributed to the team's success."If I talk about myself, whenever Pat throws the ball to me, he always backs me," Ahmed said. "This sort of helps me to soak in pressure well and even if the ball goes to the boundary, he doesn't say anything and keeps motivating all bowlers."Ahmed also revealed that legendary cricketer Virat Kohli gifts him a bat every season. "Virat's bat is by far the best in terms of quality," Ahmed said. "His bat has the right balance and the ping is fabulous. In every IPL season, he has gifted me a willow. His bat really holds high value for me."

Pat Cummins: A Beloved Aussie Captain in IndiaAustralian cricketers have long held a special place in the hearts of Indian fans. From Steve Waugh to David Warner, many Aussie stars have expressed their fondness for India, with some even calling it their second home. Among them, current Australian captain Pat Cummins stands out as a particularly popular figure.Cummins' popularity in India soared after he led his team to a memorable ODI World Cup victory on Indian soil, breaking the hearts of a billion home fans. His exceptional skills with both bat and ball made him a highly sought-after player in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he was acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad for a staggering Rs 20.5 crore.Living up to his reputation as a world-class captain, Cummins has guided Sunrisers Hyderabad to the playoffs in the 2024 season. His leadership qualities have been evident both on and off the field, inspiring his teammates and earning the respect of opponents.Beyond his cricketing achievements, Cummins has also shown a genuine love for India and its people. A recent video circulating on social media captures him playing cricket with children at a Zilla Parishad High School in Hyderabad. The video showcases Cummins' humility and his willingness to connect with the local community.Cummins' popularity in India is a testament to his exceptional cricketing abilities, his leadership skills, and his genuine affection for the country. He has become a role model for young Indian cricketers and a symbol of the strong bond between Australia and India.

SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) will face Gujarat Titans (GT) in the highly anticipated Match 66 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on May 16.SRH, currently ranked fourth on the points table with 14 points from 12 matches, will be looking to continue their winning momentum after their impressive 10-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants. Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, are eighth with 11 points from 12 matches and will be eager to improve their position.The pitch at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is expected to favor batters, with an average first-innings score of 171 runs in the last 20 matches. Pacers have been more successful at this venue, taking 75% of the wickets.In terms of head-to-head records, Gujarat Titans have the upper hand over SunRisers Hyderabad, having won three out of four previous encounters. However, SRH will be confident after their recent victory over Lucknow Super Giants.Key Players to Watch:* Travis Head (SRH): The Australian batter has been in excellent form, averaging 69 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Sai Sudharsan (GT): The young Indian batter has impressed with his consistency, averaging 63 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Pat Cummins (GT): The Australian pacer is a reliable fantasy performer, averaging 49 fantasy points in the last 10 games.* Bhuvneshwar Kumar (SRH): The Indian pacer is a wicket-taking threat, averaging 39 fantasy points in the last 10 games.Fantasy XI Team:* Wicket-Keeper: Heinrich Klaasen (GT)* Batters: Abhishek Sharma (SRH), Travis Head (SRH), Sai Sudharsan (GT), Shubman Gill (GT)* All-Rounders: Shahrukh Khan (GT)* Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (SRH), Pat Cummins (GT), Mohit Sharma (GT), T Natarajan (SRH)* Captain: Abhishek Sharma (SRH)* Vice-Captain: Sai Sudharsan (GT)

Abhishek Sharma, the 23-year-old Sunrisers Hyderabad opener, has attributed his success in the ongoing IPL to the unwavering support of skipper Pat Cummins and the entire think-tank. Sharma has been a revelation for Hyderabad this season, amassing 401 runs from 12 matches at an astonishing strike rate of 205."Our support staff and Pat (Cummins), the way they think, I have never seen anyone else think like that," Sharma said after Hyderabad's record 10-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants. "They're like, 'Go out there and express yourself. Play as aggressively as you can, we'll back you.' I think that matters a lot."Sharma's aggressive approach has paid dividends, as he has hit 35 sixes so far, the highest by any batter this season. Along with Travis Head, Sharma has rewritten the record for the quickest chase of 150-plus in T20 cricket, scaling down 166 in just 9.4 overs.Sharma credits his success to the approach he adopted during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he played a key role in Punjab's domestic T20 title win last season. "I feel when I play this way, look at the ball, and react, my shots come off better and the bowler comes under pressure," he said.Sharma has been particularly impressed by Head's ability to play spin. "I don't think anyone plays spin better than Travis," he said. "The shots he hit off (Krishnappa) Gowtham, normally batters can't do that, that shows how special he is."Sharma and Head have formed a formidable partnership, smashing several batting records this season. Sharma believes their understanding and friendship off the pitch have contributed to their success.Against the LSG bowlers, Sharma and Head had a specific strategy for dealing with the cutters. "They were bowling cutters in the middle," Sharma said. "I thought the cutters could slow down on their way, but Travis and I had planned to play it the way you would hit a spinner with the spin."Sharma's success in the IPL is a testament to the support he has received from the Hyderabad think-tank and his own aggressive approach. He will be looking to continue his impressive form as Hyderabad aim to make a strong push for the playoffs.

Indian Fan's Witty Birthday Message for Pat Cummins Goes ViralDuring the Sunrisers Hyderabad's clash against Lucknow Super Giants at the Uppal Stadium, an Indian fan's unique birthday message for skipper Pat Cummins stole the show. The message, displayed on a placard, read "Happy Birthday Silencer," a clever reference to Cummins' previous remarks about silencing crowds.Cummins, known for his exceptional sportsmanship, celebrated his 31st birthday on Wednesday. The fan's message, a blend of creativity and humor, quickly gained traction on social media.The context of the message stems from Cummins' statement before Australia's victory over India in the ODI World Cup final last year. He had remarked, "Nothing more satisfying than hearing a big crowd go silent." In the World Cup final, Cummins dismissed Virat Kohli, silencing the massive crowd in Ahmedabad.Social media users praised the fan's ingenuity. "He is an outstanding guy, and the poster is just awesome!" commented one user. "Haha, it's really cool, no doubt! Yeah, it's pretty awesome, no doubt about it!" wrote another. "Silence creator by captaincy and bowling," remarked a third user.Cummins' leadership has been instrumental in Australia's recent success, including victories over India in the ICC WTC Final and ODI World Cup Final. In the December auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad acquired Cummins' services for a hefty Rs 20.5 crores.The fan's witty message not only celebrated Cummins' birthday but also highlighted his impact on the game. It serves as a testament to the passion and creativity of Indian cricket fans.

Pat Cummins, the current captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has been a force to reckon with in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. With 13 wickets in 11 matches, Cummins has played a pivotal role in SRH's success, leading them to the fourth spot in the points table.Cummins' journey in the IPL began with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where he was part of the title-winning team in 2014. In a recent video that has gone viral, Cummins reminisces about the unforgettable experience of winning the IPL with KKR."We won in 2014. A couple of days after the final, we went back to Kolkata, went to the stadium, just to do a kind of a walking fanfare. And the stadium was packed. It was about 80-90 thousand people just waving back at the team and the streets were lined with a few hundred thousand people just to get a glimpse of the team," Cummins recalls.He adds, "And then you know you back home and your missus doesn't even look at you. It's like hang on, I had half a million people two days ago."Cummins' words paint a vivid picture of the immense adulation and support that IPL teams receive in India. The IPL has become a cultural phenomenon, capturing the hearts and minds of millions of fans across the country.Cummins' leadership has been instrumental in SRH's resurgence this season. The team has won six of their 11 matches and is well-positioned to qualify for the playoffs. Cummins' ability to inspire his teammates and create a winning environment has been crucial to SRH's success.As SRH prepares to face Lucknow Super Giants in their next match, Cummins will be looking to continue his impressive form and guide his team to another victory. With his experience, skill, and determination, Cummins is poised to play a major role in SRH's quest for the IPL title.

Mumbai Indians' Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav Stunned by Pat Cummins' Severed Finger RevelationDuring a post-match chat following Mumbai Indians' victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad, Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav were left in disbelief after Australian pacer Pat Cummins shared the story behind his severed middle finger.Cummins, who has a noticeably shorter middle finger on his bowling hand, explained to the Indian duo that he lost the top of the finger in a childhood accident when his sister slammed a door on it. Despite the injury, Cummins has maintained that it does not affect his bowling."It doesn't really affect me because (the finger) is about the same length as the other one (index finger)," Cummins told cricket.com.au in 2017.Pandya and Yadav were visibly shocked by Cummins' revelation, expressing their disbelief and admiration for his ability to overcome such an injury.The incident highlights the resilience and determination of athletes who face physical challenges. Cummins' story serves as an inspiration to others who may be facing similar obstacles.Despite the setback, Cummins has gone on to become one of the world's leading fast bowlers. He is known for his exceptional pace, accuracy, and ability to swing the ball both ways.In the match against Mumbai Indians, Cummins took 1 for 34 in his four overs, but it was his off-field revelation that left the most lasting impression on his opponents.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's remarkable turnaround under the leadership of Pat Cummins and coach Daniel Vettori has been a testament to their aggressive batting approach. After finishing last in 2023, the team has posted three 260-plus totals, including the highest IPL total of 287/3.Cummins, who had never led in T20s before, credits the team's success to giving their batters the freedom to express themselves. "We've given them the freedom to go and do it their way and take the game on," he said.Travis Head has epitomized this approach, playing with aggression and freedom. "He's naturally aggressive," Cummins said. "We've given him the freedom to go and do it his way and take the game on."Abhishek Sharma has also been a standout performer, opening the batting with Head. "He's loving batting with Travis Head," Cummins said. "Just going out, playing shots. He's naturally aggressive."Vettori's role as coach has been crucial, allowing Cummins to focus on his own game. "He's good strategically," Cummins said. "And he's a great people manager. Very hands-on. The team's responding really well to Dan."The high-scoring nature of this season's IPL has presented challenges for bowlers, but Cummins believes it's a matter of adjusting expectations. "Even if you bowl an over for eight or nine, that could be a match-winning at the right time," he said.Cummins also discussed the impact player rule, which allows teams to field an extra batter. "It feels like the batting order is longer now," he said. "But as a captain, it feels like you've got five really good bowling options."Despite their success, SRH have struggled while chasing down totals. "It's something we need to get better at," Cummins admitted.Overall, Sunrisers Hyderabad's resurgence has been a result of their aggressive batting approach, led by Cummins and Vettori's leadership.