Pat Cummins’ phenomenal MCG effort likely to earn him long-term contract with Cricket Australia

As the Aussies’ hopes of a series win against India slipped, one man stood tall. And Pat Cummins’ superb bowling effort has strengthened his case for a groundbreaking long-term deal.

Pat Cummins comes off the ground after snaring six wickets. Pic: Getty Images

Pat Cummins’ MCG blitz is likely to see him retained as Australia’s No.1 ranked cricketer, as he enhances his case for a groundbreaking long-term deal.

All of Australia’s 20 contracted male players are on one-year deals but the young fast bowling phenomenon is keen to break the mould with a multi-year contract this April which would offer both he and CA a rare sense of security.

There is scope in CA’s enterprise agreement with players for multi-year contracts to be handed out, however it remains unknown whether administrators would agree to such a landmark change this coming year — especially with a new high performance boss yet to be appointed.

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If Cummins needed to boost the strength of his argument he did so yesterday with a sizzling performance that landed him career-best match figures of 9-99, before he single-handedly carried the batting effort with a career top score of 61 not out.

Cummins’ is currently Australia’s top contracted cricketer on in excess of $2 million plus match payments and he deserves to retain that lofty endorsement.

Test great Kerry O’Keeffe believes Cummins’ has arguably the best batting technique in the team to go with his unmatched strike power with the ball.

Pat Cummins in full flight. Pic: Michael Klein

Cummins salutes the crowd after his six-wicket haul. Pic: Getty Images

As much as a multi-year contract would safeguard him financially against further injury lay-offs, he would also be giving CA something just as significant in return by agreeing to sideline himself from the riches of the Indian Premier League and committing to designated rest each year.

That Cummins has managed to soar to the heights of being considered Australia’s No.1 player is no small feat, particularly given the abilities of his fellow quicks Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Admittedly Steve Smith and David Warner have been out of the picture, but as a multi-format matchwinner and a wholesome marketing face for the game, Cummins stands out from the rest for his immense overall value across all departments.

After being forced to wait six years between his first Test and his second due to endless injury setbacks, Cummins’ has spent the past 21 months proving that he is every bit the prodigy he looked on debut as a teenager way back in 2011.

Cummins has been Australia’s first-change bowler throughout the series. Pic: AP

For all the effort that was put into penning the famous ‘players’ pact’, the document could have simply directed cricketers to play and act like Cummins.

Cricket Australia have only rarely broken from a policy of offering single-year deals, but there is a certain level of peace of mind that could be gained by knowing their most prized asset isn’t pulling on any other shirt other than an Australian one.

The young right-armer has developed a new-found durability and has only missed two matches since his comeback in early 2017.

Cummins is only 25 years of age and has the world at his feet.

The potential is there for him to go down as one of the country’s greatest ever fast bowlers.

When something needs to happen, Cummins invariably delivers and his incredible spell of 4-2 in eight balls late on day three was reminiscent of Dennis Lillee’s memorable spree 4-10 on the opening day against the West Indies back in 1981, also at the MCG.

Pat Cummins is a world class superstar. Big ❤️with great attitude. Well bowled Patty 👏👏@patcummins30

— Darren Berry (@ChuckBerry1969) December 29, 2018

Cummins has already opted out of the IPL this coming year due to the World Cup that will follow, but he believes multi-year deals for fast bowlers who put their bodies through the ringer, is fair.

“As fast bowlers, we put ourselves through a lot,” Cummins told AAP ahead of the Boxing Day Test against India.

“I guess every sport has long-term contracts so I just asked the question of seeing if I could do something longer term.

“I know next year, it’s a really tight schedule around the IPL, so I opted out. But at the time, there was so much change, obviously JL (coach Justin Langer) coming in and a new structure, so I think everyone was finding their feet and it got put off for a year.”

Cummins is our best fast bowler now so should open with Hazlewood! Can still bowl with the older ball! He is bowling second change after Lyon! Starc to rest in Sydney as showed no spark and give Siddle a go! Hands comb to replace Finch or he bats at 5.

— Stephen Barker (@Barks185) December 29, 2018

Makes no sense why Cummins doesn't open the bowling. #AusvInd

— Matty (@MatanSlonim1997) December 28, 2018

Change my mind.. Cummins is our best fast bowling prospect since a young Glenn McGrath hit the scene and will finish up alongside McGrath, Lillee, Lindwall and Spofforth as our best to ever do it #AUSvIND

— Justin Lemmon (@juslemmo) December 29, 2018

Why do Australia have Starc open the bowling ahead of Cummins?

— The Saint Kopite (@TheSaintKopite) December 28, 2018