'As A Captain...': Warner Lauds Cummins For 'Best Spell' In World Cup Final

image-lp8bixdyCummins got the prized scalp of Virat Kohli (AP Photo)

David Warner was in awe of Australian skipper Pat Cummins for taking on the responsibility and producing a critical spell in the final of the ICC World Cup 2023 against India on Sunday (November 19) in Ahmedabad. 

Having announced the desire to silence the India-dominant 1,30,000-seated crowd at the Motera Stadium, Cummins stunned the jam-packed turnout with the breakthrough of legend Virat Kohli with his decisive old-ball burst in the first half and produced figures of 2 for 34 off his 10 overs. 

Cummins, who had gone through the league phase without coming up with his best game with the ball in terms of rhythm, pace and wicket-taking, reserved his "best spell" of the tournament for the summit clash, felt Warner as he acknowledged the captain's impact value and inspiring presence. 


Warner lauds Cummins for World Cup Final spell

Cummins had taken three wickets for 51 in the close-fought semifinal played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata versus South Africa but Warner believed his performance in the final against India was his best for the entire campaign where had been criticised for an unsatisfactory individual run. 

Warner said despite the noise on the outside, Cummins maintained his "calm" and composure while gradually building towards his 'A' game ahead of the final. The speedster took only ten wickets over nine matches in the league phase spanned over a month but then took 5 wickets for only just 85 runs over two spells in the knock-outs stage. 

"He has been so calm the whole time. He was criticised in England for his field placements, which were defensive and all that. He copped it again when we got off to a slow start. It’s not fair. The captain is leading the ship, but as a whole unit, we take responsibility ourselves," Warner told Proteas legend AB de Villiers on his YouTube channel. 


"It was a testament to the way we went about it. As a captain, to be brave and make a decision was phenomenal. Yesterday, the way he bowled was unbelievable. That was his best spell in the whole tournament. Great players stand up when it’s time to deliver and yesterday, he truly did that," he added.