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'If He's Fine, I Can't See Why...': McGrath Advocates for Cummins' Participation in Entire Ashes 2023

image-lk0ojcadPat Cummins has been Australia's best bowler with 15 scalps in three matches

Former Australian pacer, Glenn McGrath, has reckoned that Pat Cummins can play in the remaining matches of the Ashes 2023 and match his own achievement of playing through an entire Ashes tour. 

McGrath urges Cummins to stay the course in Ashes 2023

In the 1997 Ashes series in England, McGrath played all six matches, securing the most wickets (36) and helping Australia to a 3-2 victory.

Australia's strategy in the current series has been to rotate their pace bowlers, with Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Josh Hazlewood all resting at different stages. But Cummins, who is also captain of the team, has been a constant presence due to the closely contested nature of the series.

During an interview with cricket.com.au, McGrath argued against the idea of resting players just for the sake of it, stating that if Cummins is in good health and focused, he should keep playing. He acknowledged that modern cricket strategies emphasized squad rotation, recognizing the physical stress fast bowlers put their bodies under.

However, the legendary pacer also affirmed his belief in survival of the fittest, implying the best performers should remain on the field.

"If he's fine, feeling good, enjoying it, switched on and still mentally focused, I don't like having a rest for the sake of having a rest. I know it's a different mindset these days – it’s not about the XI, it's about the squad, and the nature of the beast is we (fast bowlers) put a lot of stress on our bodies. But I do believe in survival of the fittest,” said McGrath.


Elaborating further, McGrath pointed out the longevity of England’s veteran bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad, who have played 165 and 181 Test matches respectively. According to McGrath, this level of durability is truly remarkable.

"The best will come to the top and the ones with the best work ethic will always win out. You look at Broady and Jimmy (England veterans Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson) – they've played 165 and 181 Test matches (each) – that's incredible,” added the seasoned campaigner.

McGrath argued that unless Cummins is either physically or mentally worn out, there is no need for him to rest, especially given the ongoing stakes of the World Test Championship.