Cummins Australia's Ashes key: Gilchrist
Oct 18, 2017 - 4:33 PM Be afraid, England. Be very afraid.The last time England came to Australia their batsmen were terrorised by Mitchell Johnson.
In this summer's Ashes, Adam Gilchrist expects more of the same when Australia finally unleash Pat Cummins on home soil.
Johnson's 2013-14 Ashes is a hard act to follow in Australia.
The moustachioed left-arm quick bullied his way to 37 wickets to inspire Australia's home series whitewash.
Yet former Test skipper Gilchrist believes a fully fit Cummins can inflict more Johnson-like pain on England by spearheading an attack also featuring Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
"When Starc is hot, he is unplayable. He is world class, as is the ever reliable Hazlewood," Gilchrist told AAP.
"But Cummins I think can be the difference with his pace and his energy.
"He has been so impressive this year.
"The English were terrorised by Johnson last time they were out here.
"If those boys get it right it will be a pretty formidable attack again."
Six years after first receiving his baggy green, the injury-plagued Cummins, 24, will play his first Test on home soil when the Ashes start at the Gabba on November 23.
Cummins has missed every home summer series over the last six years since his man of the match 2011 Test debut in South Africa due to his once injury-prone frame.
But Cummins has emerged as Australia's ironman this year after playing two Tests in India, in March, before backing up for another two in August's drawn series in Bangladesh.
In a nod to the new found confidence in Cummins' fitness, Australia opted for the NSW speedster when they played one quick for the first time in more than 40 years in the second Test against Bangladesh at Chittagong.
Gilchrist said he couldn't wait to see what Cummins could produce now he finally had confidence in his body, after four Tests on the sub-continent this year.
"On those difficult tours of India and Bangladesh, one of the shining lights was Cummins' energy and effort," Gilchrist said.
"The fact that he has strung together all those Tests this year, no one would be more relieved than him.
"He's got confidence in his body now and he will be well managed. I can't wait to see what he can do."
Source: AAP
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- Ashton Agar all grown up since Ashes debut Dec 30
- All eyes on SCG pitch for the Ashes finale Dec 30
- In-form Smith setting new benchmark: Cook Dec 30
- Cook eyes big Ashes finish in Australia Dec 30
- Insatiable Smith continues dominant Ashes Dec 30
- MCG pitch not good for anyone: Smith Dec 30
- Mitch Marsh has come a long way: Smith Dec 30
- Aussies bat out draw in fourth Ashes Test Dec 30
- Warner falls short of record-breaking ton Dec 29
- Khawaja fires back at 'bizarre' criticism Dec 29
- Agar drafted into Test squad for SCG clash Dec 29
- Reverse-swing to decide fourth Ashes Test Dec 29