Pat Cummins takes a jibe at Mohammad Hafeez

The second Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground witnessed Australia securing a 2-0 lead over Pakistan, but it wasn’t without controversy. 

Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan’s dismissal sparked heated debate, drawing criticism from Pakistan’s team director, Mohammad Hafeez, directed at the officiating. Hafeez remarked that the visitors played better ‘than the other team’ throughout the game.

Responding to Hafeez’s comment, Australia’skipper and player of the match from the Boxing Day Test, with a smile, retorted, “Ahhhh. Cool. They played well. I am glad we got the win,” Cummins said.

Cummins, downplayed Hafeez’s remark, emphasizing the importance of the ultimate victory for the team.

“It doesn’t really matter, does it? It is the team who wins at the end,” he added.

Reflecting on the win and his personal performance, Cummins expressed satisfaction. He highlighted the team’s success across formats throughout the year and the gratification of winning a home series. 

“As a team, it was just a huge year in all formats. We had a lot of success and to top it off by winning a series at home, which we pride ourselves on doing, is pretty satisfying,” Cummins said.

Additionally, Cummins mentioned feeling content with his bowling, citing improved rhythm, pace, and control over his deliveries.

“Personally, I think I’m really happy for a few reasons. Probably the one main reason is it is the best that I felt like I have bowled for a little while,” Cummins said.

“My rhythm felt really good. I felt like I had good pace. I knew where my wrist was. I could control the seam. I bowled some good bounces. So I felt really happy with how I was bowling,” he added.

It is worth noting that the controversy stemmed from Rizwan’s dismissal during Pakistan’s second innings. Cummins appealed for a caught behind, initially declared not out by the on-field umpire. Upon review, the third umpire observed a spike on the UltraEdge as the ball passed the wristband, prompting a change in the decision. 

However, the hotspot technology showed no mark, leaving Rizwan disconcerted as he left the field, batting on 35 runs, with Pakistan pursuing 98 runs for victory.