Pat Cummins

Australian fast bowler and Test captain who led Australia to World Test Championship and Cricket World Cup victories in 2023

Patrick James Cummins was born in Westmead, New South Wales in 1993. He made his Test debut at 18 in 2011 — becoming Australia's youngest Test wicket-taker in 70 years — before serious back injuries kept him out of international cricket for four years. His return produced one of the finest fast bowling careers in Australian cricket history. He reached the ICC Test bowling ranking number one position in 2019. He was appointed Australia's Test captain in 2021 — succeeding Tim Paine following a scandal. He led Australia to Ashes victory at home in 2021-22, the ICC World Test Championship in 2023 and the ODI Cricket World Cup in India in 2023 — defeating India in his home final, one of the most extraordinary performances in tournament cricket history. He is the most expensive player in IPL auction history, sold for ₹20.5 crore ($2.7 million) by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2022. His character as captain — thoughtful, calm and principled — has been widely praised. He spoke publicly against his team's association with a gambling sponsor in 2023. He is the finest fast bowler of the modern era and Australia's most respected cricket captain since Steve Waugh.

Cummins is a tall, right-arm fast bowler who generates consistent pace around 140-150 km/h with excellent control of line and length. He excels at bowling in partnerships, building pressure through disciplined bowling rather than relying solely on express pace. His ability to swing the ball both ways and extract bounce from most surfaces makes him effective across all conditions.

Cummins has elevated the standard of modern fast bowling through his consistency and professionalism, while proving that fast bowlers can successfully captain at the highest level.

• ICC Cricket World Cup (2023)
• ICC World Test Championship (2023)
• Ashes 3x
• ICC Test Cricketer of Year