Updated 13:13 IST, December 30th 2023
'A lot of captains are maligned in hindsight': AUS coach explains why Pat Cummins is a great leader
Australia defeated Pakistan by 79 runs in the 2nd Test, leading the series 2-0. Pat Cummins gets applauded by Australian head coach Andrew McDonald.

Australia defeated Pakistan by 79 runs in the second Test match from December 26th to 29th, gaining a 2-0 lead in the series. Australia scored 318 in the opening innings, with Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja making key contributions. Pakistan scored 264 runs, headed by Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood. Australia then scored 262 in their second innings, led by Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey, while Pakistan managed 237 in their chase, led by Shan Masood and Salman Ali Agha. Pat Cummins shone with the ball for Australia, earning Player of the Match honours at the MCG Stadium.
3 things you need to know
- Australia beat Pakistan in the 2nd Test by 79 runs
- Australia leads the series by 2-0
- Pakistan didn't perform well against Australia
Also Read: Pat Cummins' exceptional 2023 season
Andrew McDonald made a huge statement about Pat Cummins
Andrew McDonald, head coach of the Australian men's team, believes Pat Cummins' captaincy qualities will continue to improve in the future years after a great 2023 season. The former Australian all-rounder acknowledged Cummins' first problems as captain, but emphasizes that leadership skills improve via actual experience.
Despite Australia's previous disappointments with successive Test losses in India, Cummins, at 30 years old, had a spectacular year as both a player and captain. He led Australia to win in the World Test Championship, was instrumental in retaining the Ashes, and led the team to its sixth 50-over World Cup title. The Australian team ends the year with a Test series victory against Pakistan.
McDonald shared his delight with Cummins' performance in a recent media encounter, adding that the 30-year-old has been consistently good in all aspects over the past several years, contributing greatly to his exponential growth as a leader. According to Fox Sports, McDonald expounded on Cummins' remarkable journey. McDonald said:
"I think anytime you start your captaincy regime, you’re never going to be at your best. You are going to learn and grow across the journey. But in terms of as a player, I think he’s probably held where he’s been at for two-three years. His body’s been sound. He has had the opportunity to play a lot of cricket and his performance execution as a player over the last two years has been outstanding. But as a leader, he has definitely grown and I think you will see him grow again.”
“I think tactically, a lot of captains are maligned in hindsight, whether it’s right or wrong, what they’ve done. But I think that the most important thing is the planning and discussions you have leading into the decision making and he is really open with that. I think that’s the art of captaincy, to be consistent and connected with your playing group and your staff and have the ability to make the good decisions at the right time. And at the moment, the last 12 months, you’d say he’s put a lot of the right levers.”
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Pat Cummins made key bowling efforts in both innings of the second Test against Pakistan at the MCG, capturing a total of 10 wickets and hitting the 250-wicket mark currently 252). His effect was most noticeable in the fourth inning when the visitors threatened with a 317-run chase. Cummins, in his position as captain, spearheaded the assault and was instrumental in Australia's 79-run triumph. With this victory, Australia currently leads the series 2-0, with one match remaining. The third and final Test against Pakistan is set to begin in Sydney on January 3.
Published 11:24 IST, December 30th 2023