Search

show me:

No cricket fans, less pressure: Cummins

3 minute read

Australia quick Pat Cummins says he enjoyed the "different" experience of playing in an empty SCG, conceding having no fans inside the stadium helped him relax.

PAT CUMMINS of Australia prepares to bowl during the First Test Match of the 2017/18 Ashes Series at The Gabba in Brisbane, Australia
PAT CUMMINS of Australia prepares to bowl during the First Test Match of the 2017/18 Ashes Series at The Gabba in Brisbane, Australia Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Playing in an empty stadium has helped relax star Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins against New Zealand.

The teams will again battle behind closed doors at the SCG on Sunday as Australia seek to wrap up just their third ODI series from 11 starts.

With fans barred from attending the three-game Chappell-Hadley trophy contest because of the coronavirus outbreak, Cummins bowled brilliantly on Friday to claim 3-25 in Australia's 71-run victory.

"It was certainly weird. Probably in some ways I just felt a lot more relaxed than an international game normally," he said.

"It felt more like a (Sheffield) Shield game or even a grade game, which was kind've nice.

"You don't get the chance as an international side to be able to talk to each other out there during the middle of the game and have it pretty relaxed.

"I actually enjoyed it, but it's certainly different."

The same pitch will be used for game two, but Cummins is confident the wicket will hold up well.

Australia started strongly through openers Aaron Finch and David Warner, but struggled to 7-258 batting first.

That below-par performance mattered little as Cummins, Mitch Marsh and Josh Hazlewood steamrolled the Black Caps for 187.

"No doubt it will turn a little bit more and be a little more tired, but I thought it was going to deteriorate a lot worse than it did," Cummins said.

Marnus Labuschagne (56) also continued his golden summer, registering his eighth score over 50 in nine international innings on home soil.

Since 2017, Australia's ODI form has been patchy at best, with their only series wins coming last year away to India and against Pakistan in the UAE.

Finch's team only recently returned to Australia following a deflating 3-0 series defeat to a young and inexperienced South African side.

"After South Africa, we were really confident going into that ODI series ... but unfortunately we couldn't get it done," Cummins said.

"This would be a nice way to end the one-day cricket for a while."

The Kiwis will keep an eye on quick Lockie Ferguson, who has been placed into isolation due to a sore throat following game one.

Australian fast bowler Kane Richardson missed the series opener after also suffering a mild sore throat, but was cleared of coronavirus after being sent for tests.

After Sunday's match, the teams will head south for Friday's final game in Hobart.

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au