Australia seamer Pat Cummins has suggested that a T20 series win against India in India was a pivotal moment in Australia’s march towards the top of the World Cup group stage.
The two match T20 series against India saw Australia win both matches chasing in last-over finishes. The latter match seeing Glenn Maxwell hit an unbeaten 113 off only 55 deliveries. This series was the turning point according to Cummins.
“It gave us real confidence, beating the best side in the world, in their own conditions. It really felt like a special group, a couple of really special wins where we felt like we could win from anywhere.”
That belief has extended to their World Cup campaign in which Australia have overcome difficult situations against both the West Indies and Pakistan before eventually emerging victorious.
“It’s pretty infectious when you have that feeling around the group. Luckily, we have held on to it.”
In a World Cup in which chasing moderate totals has not been as easy as many expected, Australia have been one of the main beneficiaries.
The six times this World Cup that Australia have batted first they have won each time. This is in no small part down to the seam attack which has seen Mitchell Starc take 24 wickets whilst Pat Cummins and Jason Behrendorff have taken 12 and 8 wickets respectively both going at an economy rate of under five.
“I feel really happy, to be honest. Haven’t taken the new ball, but Jason and Starcy [Jason Behrendorff and Mitchell Starc] have been brilliant upfront,” Cummins said.
