Pat Cummins picks his Test XI, puts Virat Kohli at number 5


Pat Cummins picks his Test XI, puts Virat Kohli at number 5

Pat Cummins and Virat Kohli

Australia and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Pat Cummins picked his Test XI which included several greats from modern-day cricket. The number one bowler in ICC Test rankings also included India skipper Virat Kohli in the playing XI.

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In a recent Q&A video uploaded on his Youtube channel, Cummins named the players against whom he enjoyed on-field challenges. The 28-year old picked the likes of Joe Root, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, and Kane Williamson.

“These are the best in the world and are the obvious ones as they don’t have any weaknesses. Each team has a couple of batters that are toughest to bowl to, but you want to face those challenges as it is most rewarding,” Cummins said.

“You talk about Joe Root and Ben Stokes from England. Then obviously, Pujara and Virat [Kohli] from India. You have got Kane Williamson and Babar Azam. In South Africa, there was AB de Villiers and Faf [du Plessis] is there. Every team has a couple of guys who are the prized wickets,” he added.

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The 28-year old placed Williamson, Smith and Kohli at number three, four and five respectively.

“I would probably have Kane Williamson at No.3, Steve Smith at No.4, maybe Kohli at No.5. In any order, but I would have those three,” said the Aussie quick.

‘English conditions should probably suit New Zealand more than India’

Cummins, who has featured in 34 Test matches and has claimed 164 wickets, talked about the much-awaited ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final as well. Though he didn’t pick a side for the all-important match between India and New Zealand, the Aussie predicted English conditions would be favourable to the Blackcaps.

“We have seen both teams not having played Test matches for a couple of months. So, it is a one-off. Anything can happen. I will sit on the fence.

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“But if I say anything, the conditions should probably suit New Zealand more than India,” said Cummins, who is currently quarantined in his hotel room in Sydney.

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