Cummins to play first International on home soil

Penrith’s Patrick Cummins has been picked to play for Australia in next month’s Twenty20 series against South Africa.

NSW Pat Cummins slides in to his crease going for a run during Matador One-Day Cup NSW v Tasmania at Blacktown Sports Park. (Phil Hillyard)

AFTER an injury-troubled start to his career, Penrith’s Patrick Cummins, 21, will play for Australia in next month’s Twenty20 series against South Africa.

Cummins took 2-36 in NSW’s five-wicket defeat to Tasmania at Blacktown on Monday and said he was looking forward to playing for Australia on home soil for the first time in his career.

Australia A v National Performance Squad at Marrara Oval, Darwin. Australia A's Pat Cummin's hits the bowling crease. (Justin Sanson)

“I’m really excited, I was selected for the UAE squad a few weeks ago but unfortunately it clashed with the Champions League so I wasn’t able to go over there,” Cummins said.

“To be selected in the side again is exciting. I’ve never played in Australia for Australia before so it’s going to be a new experience.”

Cummins has played 11 one-day and five Twenty20 internationals, but they have all been overseas.

Pat Cummins in action for NSW during Matador One-Day Cup NSW v Tasmania at Blacktown Olympic Sports park. (Phil Hillyard)

“I’ve felt like I’ve still been bowling quite a lot and playing a little bit of cricket. The last couple of years I’ve picked bad times to be fitter – it’s always in the off season,” he said.

Cummins is excited at the prospect of finally performing in front of an Australian crowd in the series opener at Adelaide Oval on November 5.

Patrick Cummins sitting in the sheds for the Penrith Cricket Club. (Timothy Clapin)

“Every game that you play for Australia is special and important,” he said.

“I’m trying not to get too caught up in what’s to come and just play every game I can.”

THE STORY SO FAR

■ Cummins burst onto the world scene as an 18-year-old when he took 6-79 in the second innings to help wrap up a two-wicket Test-match win over the Proteas in 2011

■ He joined the Sydney Sixers in 2011 and then the Perth Scorchers in 2012 but didn’t play until January this year due to injury.

■ Bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders of the Indian Premier League for 2014

■ Just signed with Sydney Thunder for this year’s Big Bash League