Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan recently commended Australia’s team ethos after star player Pat Cummins didn’t feature in the playing XI during their T20 World Cup opener against Oman in Barbados on Wednesday (June 5). Cummins, who played a pivotal role in leading Australia to ICC World Test Championship and ODI World Cup triumphs last year, was spotted carrying water bottles for his teammates during the match. Despite his recent success, Cummins took on the supporting role, showcasing a selfless attitude towards team dynamics.
Notably, Cummins had captained SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, guiding them to the final where they were defeated by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). However, his willingness to serve the team in any capacity was evident as he embraced the waterboy role for Australia.
Mitchell Marsh, who assumed leadership in Cummins’ absence, expressed his intent to contribute as an all-rounder during the tournament. He emphasized his aspiration to excel in both batting and bowling departments, embodying Australia’s tradition of versatile players.
Pathan underscored this aspect of Australian cricket culture by sharing a photo of Cummins fulfilling the waterboy duties on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) with the caption: “The CULTURE.” Pathan’s observation implied that Australian cricket values team contribution over individual heroics, contrasting with the prevalent hero worship culture seen among India’s star cricketers.
Australia, renowned for its success in international cricket, exemplifies a collective approach where players prioritize team objectives over personal accolades. Cummins’ humble gesture serves as a testament to this ethos, highlighting the essence of teamwork and camaraderie within the Australian cricket fraternity.
