Australia’s legendary cricketer Ricky Ponting presented the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year award to star pacer Pat Cummins at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Thursday. Ponting, an ICC Hall of Famer and a two-time winner of the same accolade in 2006 and 2007, handed over the trophy to celebrate Cummins’ stellar achievements in 2023.
As captain of both the Test and One Day International teams, Cummins led Australia to a triumphant year, notably defeating India at The Oval to secure the World Test Championship and subsequently clinching the ODI World Cup final against the same opponent in Ahmedabad.
Cummins’ individual performance was equally impressive. He claimed 42 Test wickets at an average of 27.50 and contributed 254 runs, playing a crucial role in Australia’s Test victory in India and their Ashes retention away from home. In the ODI World Cup, he took 15 wickets and added valuable runs (128 at an average of 32) down the order.
Looking ahead to 2024, Cummins and his team have the opportunity to achieve a historic treble, with the T20 World Cup on the horizon. Cummins has continued to shine this year, taking 17 Test wickets at 25.64, scoring 157 runs at 26, and securing five wickets in T20Is at an economy rate of less than eight.
Currently, Cummins is part of Australia’s XI in their Super 8 match against Bangladesh in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Australia won the toss and chose to bowl first, with Cummins delivering a stellar hat-trick to help restrict Bangladesh to 140/8. Despite strong efforts from Najmul Hossain Shanto (41) and Towhid Hridoy (40 off 28), Cummins and Adam Zampa’s combined five-wicket haul ensured Australia’s dominance in the match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
Cummins’ leadership and performance continue to underscore his significance in Australian cricket, as highlighted by Ponting during the award presentation.
