Image Credit- AFP
After Australia
pulled off an incredible run chase in New Zealand to win the series 2-0, Pat
Cummins lauded the team’s ability to rally behind various players.
Australia found themselves in serious danger on the third evening, trailing 279
at 34 for 4, and when Travis Head left early on the fourth morning, they were
down to 80 for 5. But before Head was removed from the game, Mitchell Marsh,
who had been given a lifeless ball, and Alex Carey, who was under duress,
combined for a game-changing partnership of 140 in 29 overs.
Ben Sears again
rocked the pursuit with two wickets in two balls, while Carey, whose spot in
the side was coming under more scrutiny following a run of wayward shots,
finished unbeaten at 98.
“Think the
story of this series was in key moments one guy stood up, we didn’t necessarily
play the complete game, but in those pivotal moments someone stood up and made
themselves a matchwinner,” Cummins, who struck a vital 32 not out, said. “[We]
keep finding ways to win, it’s a pretty awesome squad.”
He added that the
tempo Marsh and Carey were able to bat at was vital in putting the pressure
back on New Zealand’s bowlers. It also meant the second new ball wouldn’t be a
factor.
“We’ve been on
the other side of it plenty of times and if the scoreboard’s not moving you
feel in the game, but if they are chipping away it seems like it’s all
happening pretty quickly,” he said. “That was goal today, be busy,
keep the run rate ticking over and bit by bit getting closer.”
“[It was]
pretty tense,” he added. “Pretty nervous watching for the last couple
of hours, everyone trying to keep themselves busy then looking up at the board.
Amazing win.”
After defeating
Pakistan 3-0 and drawing 1-1 with the West Indies, Australia concluded the
season with six Test victories and one loss. After this lengthy layoff from
Test cricket, they will play India at home in November.