By India Today Sports Desk: Pat Cummins had a smart response in store after being asked about Australia’s one-wicket defeat to England in the 2019 Ashes at Headingley in Leeds. Back then, it was Ben Stokes who hit the winning runs off Cummins to take England through to a famous win.
Stokes stayed not out on 135 off 219 balls as the hosts chased down 360 after initially being reduced to 159 for four in 77.3 overs. But on Tuesday, June 20, it was Australia’s turn to pull a rabbit out of the hat, this time at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
The Aussies chased down 281 and won by two wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Cummins stayed not out on 44 and also hit the winning runs off Ollie Robinson.
After the win, Cummins was asked if Australia were able to make up for the defeat in Headingley. In reply, the Aussie skipper responded cheekily.
“Don't know what you're talking about, mate!” Cummins said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
Cummins also praised Nathan Lyon for picking up eight wickets in the match, including four in both innings.
“He's huge, both innings. He's played 120 Tests, he takes key wickets, he's a superstar,” Cummins said.
Lyon joined hands with Cummins when Australia needed 54 runs to win with two wickets in hand. Even as Cummins did most of the scoring, Lyon lent him support with a 28-ball 16.
Lyon also played a stupendous shot on the leg-side off Stuart Broad that went for a four. The boundary also brought down Australia’s target to single figures.
“I looked at him; he walked past and said 'nice shot Garry!' Think he was happy,” Cummins added.
Cummins and Lyon eventually stitched together a partnership of 55 runs for the ninth wicket as Australia recorded their fourth-highest run-scorer in the Ashes and their highest since 1948.
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