Cumball: Pat Cummins Steals the Show in the Ashes Opener

Pat Cummins’ incredible two-wicket victory in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Tuesday (June 20) has left an indelible mark on cricket fans around the world. Cummins’ unbeaten 44 runs off 73 balls was a masterful display of batting that enabled Australia to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

The Rise of Cumball

The moment Cummins hit the winning runs, Twitter was abuzz with a new term for the Australia skipper – Cumball. The visitors had started day five needing 174 runs with seven wickets in hand, and Usman Khawaja got a gritty fifty, but it was Cummins who really stepped up and got the job done. He came out with a clear intention and began to attack from the start, and his 55-run partnership with Nathan Lyon was crucial in securing the win.

Ben Stokes Reflects on Early Declaration

The day one declaration by England captain Ben Stokes has been the subject of much debate, with some believing it was a mistake to declare so early. Stokes himself has admitted that he was surprised by the decision, but that he stands by it. He believes that it was the right decision at the time and that it could have resulted in a different outcome had the weather not been so unkind.

Conclusion

Pat Cummins’ incredible performance in the first Ashes Test has been a highlight of the series so far, and the rise of the new term ‘Cumball’ is testament to the impact he has had. Despite Ben Stokes’ early declaration on day one, the outcome of the match could have been different had it not been for the weather. Regardless, Cummins’ heroics have ensured that Australia have taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.