Australian skipper Pat Cummins, already crowned champions of 2023 with World Test Championship, World Cup, and Ashes victories, has added another jewel to his glistening crown – the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December.
This marks not only Cummins’ first monthly award but also extends Australia’s dominance in the category, following Travis Head’s November triumph. It’s a fitting capstone to a monumental year for the fast bowler-captain.
Facing Bangladesh and Pakistan in December, Cummins led from the front, especially against a spirited Pakistan side eager to avenge Ashes losses. In the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, with Pakistan cruising at 110/2, Cummins turned the tide.
His dismissal of opposite number Shan Masood sparked a collapse, and Cummins hunted down Pakistani batsmen like a relentless predator, ending with a match-winning 5/48. This wasn’t an isolated feat; the Aussie maestro repeated his five-wicket magic in the second innings (5/49), reaching the coveted milestone of 250 Test wickets.
Cummins’ fierce bowling not only secured the series for Australia but also restored them to the pinnacle of Test rankings. His performances, a masterclass in fast bowling artistry and leadership, made him the undisputed Player of the Month.
So, raise a glass to Pat Cummins, the December king who continues to etch his name in cricketing history, one wicket, one victory at a time. His December dominance might be over, but one thing’s for sure: Cummins’ reign as an cricketing force is far from over.
