Cricket World Cup: Pat Cummins primed to perform for Australia

AUSTRALIAN excitement machine Pat Cummins has declared he’s primed to deliver consistent swing and scorching pace at next month’s World Cup.

Nathan Hauritz and Pat Cummins with the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup trophy at Coogee Oval.

AUSTRALIAN excitement machine Pat Cummins has declared he’s primed to deliver consistent swing and scorching pace at next month’s World Cup.

With veteran match-winner Ryan Harris set to be left out of Australia’s 15-man squad to be announced, the pace attack will be relying on young quicks like Cummins stepping up to the plate and bowling 150km/h.

The 21-year-old has been to hell and back with fitness issues since his ODI debut back in 2011, but Cummins appears all but certain to be named in the World Cup and tri-series’ squads in anticipation the great white hope of Australian cricket will produce something special in the big moments.

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What Cummins lacks in international experience, he makes up for as a young star who has proven he’s capable of taking the spotlight in his stride.

On the game’s biggest stage, Cummins is confident a new and improved technique now perfected following his most recent back injury, can see him make the white ball sing on home soil.

Pat Cummins has been training with the Australian cricket team. Picture: Gregg Porteous

“I hope it’s made me faster. I think it’s helped me keep the seam up straighter, my arm up straighter and hopefully that’s going to help me swing the ball more consistently without any sacrifice on pace,” said Cummins, as part of the World Cup trophy tour in Coogee.

“I’m at the stage now where once I’m playing the game I don’t really have to think about it. I can just run in to bowl.

“When it comes to the pressures, we have such a tight and relaxed squad of players and staff — that all the outside pressures seem a little bit irrelevant.

“I’m really happy with my form and everything so far so hopefully if I get a chance I can go well and get a job.

“I remember growing up and watching World Cups and getting really excited seeing Australia win a few and to think this year it’s in our own country and in front of our own fans, I think it’s going to be a really special occasion and I’d love more than anything to be in that side.”

Nathan Hauritz and Pat Cummins in Coogee.

Cummins has now been back bowling consistently for 12 months and during the last ODI series against South Africa in November, he starred in his two matches — with his pace and bounce causing serious problems for the Proteas.

The athletic right-hander is likely to be picked alongside Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood in an explosive and versatile attack — with all capable of regularly clocking 150km/h.

Cummins also has red-ball ambitions, and could be a strong contender for next year’s Test tours of the West Indies and England.

The only thing counting against him is the fact the Sheffield Shield season will have finished by the time he comes out of the World Cup, limiting his ability to get longer-form overs under his belt.

James Pattinson is certainly on track for the West Indies, with selectors taking a more red-ball view with his latest comeback from injury.

Pat Cummins has been playing for the Sydney Thunder in the BBL. Picture: Mark Evans

Pattinson and Cummins have spent much of the summer bowling with Australia in the nets before Tests and have wowed with their brutal pace.

The pair debuted in one-day cricket together in South Africa back at the same time, and Cummins hopes they’ll make a dynamite combination in the future.

“Jimmy and I spent about a week together down in Adelaide and it’s really good to see him bowling well and back fit and firing. We’re in similar positions so we can work together pretty well,” said

“To work with Australian bowling coach Craig McDermott (has been beneficial). I’ve spent a lot of time with him, but during the Test series it’s obviously hard to get some face time with him.”

There are still World Cup tickets available across the country.