Raring to take on England, Cummins seeks enforcer status

SIX years after his baggy green debut, Australian quick Pat Cummins wants to make up for lost time in his first home Test series and take over Mitchell Johnson’s Ashes enforcer role.

The former injury-plagued speedster says he is in careerbest shape and raring to in- timidate England in the upcoming Ashes - much like Johnson did in 2013.

In the last home Ashes series, fiery left-arm quick Johnson terrorised England as he claimed 37 wickets to help seal Australia’s 5-0 whitewash.

It’s a hard act to follow.

But after years of watching home Tests from the sidelines nursing seemingly endless injuries, Cummins, 24, is finally primed to confront England on Australian soil, starting at the Gabba on November 23.

“We saw what Mitchell Johnson did last Ashes series here - it would be a role I would love to play,” Cummins said.

“As a fast bowler, it’s (about) getting in their face and being relentless in everything we do. I just can’t wait to get out there.

“As a kid growing up, you watch a lot of Test cricket on TV. “To be in that position where I might play in one, I’m pumped.” Cummins burst onto the international scene at 18 in Australia’s second Test win in South Africa in November 2011.

Injuries - largely back stress fractures - ensured he didn’t play another Test until March this year.