January 8, 2025: Former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting has praised the leadership qualities and growth of Australia’s Test captain Pat Cummins, following the conclusion of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Despite a challenging start for Australia in the series, losing the opening Test in Perth, Cummins led his team to an incredible comeback, securing the series 3-1—a result that brought the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy back to Australia after nearly a decade.
Ponting, speaking on the ICC Review, highlighted how Cummins has evolved as both a player and a leader. He noted that in tough situations, Cummins has shown immense maturity and strength, taking matters into his own hands when needed. “Pat has grown as a player, he’s grown as a leader. Whenever things get tough as captain, he doesn’t look around to anybody else. He brings himself straight back into the attack and more often than not gets the job done,” Ponting said. This leadership quality has been crucial in Australia’s ability to bounce back after the initial loss and secure the series victory.
Cummins had an outstanding individual series, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker with 25 wickets at an impressive average of 21.36. He also contributed with the bat, scoring 159 runs at a strike rate of 63.35, helping his team both as a bowler and a batsman. His all-round performance played a key role in Australia’s series win, with his leadership shining through in critical moments.
Ponting also pointed out the age dynamics within the Australian squad, noting that the team’s lineup featured players who were predominantly above the age of 30, with 19-year-old Sam Konstas being the only notable young player. “There’s not one player in their 20s in that team. You’ve got one at 19 and everyone else over 30. That’s going to be the next challenge for this Australian group, not just for the Australian team, but for Australian cricket is to bring on this new group of young players. There’s not many opportunities that present themselves,” Ponting observed.
This is an important point for Australian cricket, as the aging squad will soon need to undergo a generational shift, and developing young talent will be key to maintaining their competitive edge in international cricket. The transition will be challenging, but it’s a necessary step for the long-term success of the Australian team.
As for India, while they had their chances to make a comeback in the fifth Test at Sydney, they were ultimately unable to capitalize on them. Injuries, including the absence of Jasprit Bumrah in the final innings, also compounded India’s difficulties. Australia won the match by six wickets, which not only secured the series but also dashed India’s hopes of making it to the World Test Championship final.
Cummins’ leadership and the resilience shown by his team in the face of adversity were key elements that helped Australia reclaim the BGT after nearly a decade, and Ponting’s analysis underscores the importance of strong leadership in achieving success.
