Cummins Rocks England in First Ashes Test
Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, showcased his exceptional skills with both bat and ball on a rain-affected third day of the first Ashes Test against England in Birmingham. Cummins’ outstanding performance propelled the Ashes-holders to a dominant position in the match. The day witnessed several intriguing moments, despite interruptions caused by the weather.
Cummins, known primarily for his bowling prowess, demonstrated his batting ability by contributing a valuable 38 runs to Australia’s first-innings total of 386. This impressive score left them just seven runs behind England. The fast bowler’s all-round contribution proved crucial for his team’s success.
When England began their second innings, Cummins continued his match-winning performance with the ball. He dismissed opener Ben Duckett, forcing him to edge the ball low to the safe hands of all-rounder Cameron Green at gully. In a dramatic turn of events, Cummins claimed another wicket just three balls later, removing Zak Crawley caught behind off a superb delivery that angled in and straightened to take the edge. England found themselves struggling at 28-2, with a mere 35-run lead when play was halted due to a substantial downpour.
Before the rain intervened, the match had experienced an initial delay of one hour and fifteen minutes. Despite this setback, Australia’s pace attack capitalized on the brief 22-ball session that followed. The gloomy conditions, coupled with the floodlights illuminating the Edgbaston ground, favored the world champions’ bowlers. With two quick wickets for no runs, England’s promising start abruptly transformed into a precarious situation.
As play resumed after the rain delay, Ollie Pope and Joe Root, England’s star batsman who had scored an unbeaten 118 in the first innings, were yet to open their accounts when the umpires decided to abandon play for the day.
Earlier in the match, Australia’s Usman Khawaja played a marathon innings of 141 runs, which proved pivotal in setting up a competitive total for his team. Khawaja, who had been waiting for an Ashes hundred in England for ten years, finally achieved his long-desired milestone. He batted patiently, taking 321 deliveries to compile his impressive knock, which included 14 boundaries and three sixes. However, Khawaja’s innings came to an end when he attempted to navigate an unconventional “umbrella field” and was bowled by Ollie Robinson.
The Australian innings saw a revival after a shaky start at 67-3, with Khawaja and Alex Carey forming a resilient partnership. Both batsmen survived crucial moments, with Khawaja benefitting from a no-ball when bowled by Stuart Broad on 112, while Carey was dropped by Jonny Bairstow behind the stumps. However, veteran pacer James Anderson dismissed Carey, offering a glimmer of hope for England.
Cummins’ arrival at the crease injected further momentum into Australia’s innings. He showcased his power-hitting skills by launching two sixes off spinner Moeen Ali and later dispatched Broad for a maximum. Despite Cummins’ contributions, Australia lost their final four wickets in quick succession, with Robinson wrapping up the innings by dismissing Cummins, caught in the deep by Ben Stokes.
With the match finely poised heading into the fourth day, both teams will be eager to capitalize on any playing time remaining to gain an advantage. Australia’s dominant performance on the rain-marred third day puts them in a favorable position, while England will be aiming to stage a comeback to avoid a potential defeat on their home turf.
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