After Australia took a 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, skipper Pat Cummins described the 184-run win over India in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as the best match he has played. I chose it as one of them. Cummins said the Johnny Mullagh Medal is awarded to the best player of the match, named after the star player of the 1868 native tour of England, who produced a remarkable all-round performance in the match. Cummins played crucial knocks of 49 and 41 with the bat and picked figures of 3-89 and 3-28 with the ball to give Australia a memorable win.
“It was an amazing Test match. I think it’s one of the best matches I’ve ever been a part of. The crowd was ridiculous all week, it was amazing to be a part of the match. Marnus was a huge help in the second innings. He contributed,” he said after the match. said at the presentation.
He also spoke about how big first-innings totals and contributions from lower-order players helped Australia seize crucial moments in the match.
“Steve’s amazing innings, won the toss, it wasn’t easy on the first day. Getting to 400 was really incredible. We are putting a lot of effort into our lower-order batting and how we can contribute with the bat as well as the best way to bowl to opposition batsmen first.”
Cummins also stated that the decision not to declare overnight was aimed at reducing the Indians’ chances of victory.
“We wanted to rob India of a win (by not declaring). We had a lot of runs to play and we had as many helmets around the bat as possible.”
“We were a little behind in over-percentage, so I thought getting Trav in there would help us. It was the coaching staff’s idea to bowl to Pant. I am very satisfied with the changing room. “I’ll give it a try before I get to Sydney.”
Head, who took the key wicket of Pant, said he was happy to contribute with the ball after a rare quiet Test with the bat.
“I haven’t handled the bat much in four-and-a-half days and I was happy to contribute. (Pant’s plan) is to get everyone on the fence and bowl first. Both teams worked pretty hard and there were moments where both teams stepped up,” he said. .
Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc said there was always belief the Australian camp would emerge victorious in Melbourne. “There’s always faith in this group. That’s been the hallmark of this group for many years – composure and the ability to adapt to situations.”
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