Aussie attack looking crook
AUSTRALIA have their fingers crossed that Pat Cummins’ debilitating stomach bug clears in quick time after the struggling spearhead spent yesterday’s tea break asleep.
Cummins was in immense physical discomfort yesterday but despite multiple stints off the field, managed to still give captain Steve Smith 11 overs.
However, Cummins was but a shadow of his normal self and Australia lacked any real strike power on a flat pitch that is showing no signs of breaking up at this stage.
Australia are unsure where Cummins picked up his stomach upset, but no other players have been affected.
Cummins’ condition was compounded by the sapping heat at the MCG and cameras showed him sweating profusely and at stages doubled over in the outfield in agony.
Nathan Lyon revealed postmatch the extent of Cummins’ sickness as Australia fought desperately to break the unbeaten 100-run stand of Alastair Cook and Joe Root.
“Tea time he slept pretty well the whole 18 minutes of it,” said Lyon.
“I was pretty proud of Pat. The way he stuck at it and was able to put that massive effort in for us was quite pleasing to see.
“He’s a world class bowler and to see him go out there and play the way he’s played, hats off to him. I won’t be cuddling him tonight.”
Cummins was expected to receive further treatment from the team doctor last night, with the focus on replenishing the fluids lost in the field yesterday.
Australia desperately need Cummins’ firepower, particularly with no Mitchell Starc this Boxing Day Test.
Lyon is hopeful Cummins can rally and that it’s just a 24hour bug.
“He’ll see the doctor tonight and get some fluid on board and hopefully get a good night’s sleep so he can come back tomorrow morning,” said Lyon.
Cummins bowled 11 overs for 0-39 and he was unable to hit his normal speeds in excess of 145km/h – instead languishing in the mid 130km/h range.