Australia's Cummins Lauds Strong Start to WTC Campaign After West Indies Series Win

Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, has expressed his satisfaction with his team's impressive beginning to the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Australia, a consistent contender in the WTC Finals, having reached the ultimate match in the last two editions, has secured victories in their initial two Tests of this fresh cycle. This follows their decisive series-clinching triumph against the West Indies in Grenada.

Cummins pleased with team's resilience after Lord's defeat © AFP

"Winning away from home isn't easy, so I'm really pleased with how we recovered after Lord's (WTC Final)," Cummins stated after the Grenada Test. "It's been a positive couple of weeks. With a pink ball Test coming up next week, it's good to have already secured the series. Those matches always present unique challenges. It's a dream start, really – two wins from two, setting us up well in the cycle, and we've played some excellent cricket."

Cummins also acknowledged the valuable contribution of the team's experienced players, particularly highlighting Steve Smith. Smith played a crucial role by scoring a vital half-century in the second innings, rescuing the team from a precarious position at 28/3, with a lead of just 61 runs. "I think experience is a significant factor, especially with someone like Steve Smith," Cummins noted. "He might not have played his best innings at Grenada, but he has played on many wickets where you have to adapt your scoring methods. It might not always be about hitting big drives down the ground. Sometimes, you have to grind your way to a 50, and that's where experience comes in."

He further added, "With experience, you've encountered similar challenges before, which brings a level of composure that helps you navigate through difficult situations. As a captain, it makes my job much easier knowing I have a team of settled and seasoned players."

Addressing the performance of young opener Sam Konstas, who has struggled to make a significant impact in the series with only 33 runs in four innings, Cummins offered his support. "Every innings can feel like the most important thing in the world," he said regarding Konstas. "But statistically, even the best batters in the world don't hit their average three out of four times. Failure is more common than success."

Cummins emphasized the importance of continuous learning and improvement. "As long as you learn quickly, move effectively, and give yourself the best possible chance, just keep working hard and evaluate yourself after a series or so, rather than after each individual innings."

The West Indies' former captain, Kraigg Brathwaite, is another opener facing scrutiny due to his recent form. Brathwaite's 100th Test was not particularly successful, with scores of 4, 4, 0, and 7, prompting head coach Daren Sammy to consider his future in the next game. "He hasn't looked good this series, and in a team that is seeking strong performances, you get very close to considering giving someone else a chance," Sammy said. "But we will have a thorough discussion involving myself, the selection group, and the captain about this particular situation."

Sammy also acknowledged that the pitches in the Caribbean need improvement to cultivate better Test batters. "It's challenging to develop the quality of batters we need to compete effectively," he observed. "When you look at the surfaces we play on, it's difficult."

He elaborated, "If you analyze the averages, we barely have players averaging above 40 in first-class cricket. These types of pitches don't allow you to develop technically sound skills because you're constantly uncertain. Doubt is always present. Ideally, we want our players to perform because of their skills, not in spite of the conditions. This is something that myself, the director of cricket, and the franchise system are closely examining to make changes. We're trying to send head groundsmen to various places to learn how to create wickets that allow batters to trust their techniques. We also have some technical deficiencies that persist from the Under-19 and youth levels up to the national team."