Pat Cummins hits English reporter with epic comeback after shocking question over Ashes ‘cheating’

Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins likes to play the pantomime villain with journalists if the post-match press conference following his team’s second test win at Lord’s is any guide.

It comes after England sports reporter Mike Walters asked the 30-year-old if he was comfortable with his team ‘cheating’ following the controversial – but legal – sacking of Jonny Bairstow on day five of the clash.

Cummins’ response showed he has ice in his veins.

“Pat, is there such a thing, or do you believe in such a thing as ghost of cricket?” asked Daily Mirror writer Walters, to which Cummins replied ‘yes’.

Walters then asked an aggressive follow-up question.

“After Bairstow’s firing today, do you think that was within the letter of the law – there’s no disputing that – but are we in danger of seeing Mankads or armpit bowling later in this series?”

Mankads occur when the bowler hits the bail mid delivery with the batsman at the batsman’s end out of the crease.

Underarm bowling refers to an incident in 1981, in which Trevor Chappell – at the behest of his older brother, the Aussie skipper Greg – bowled a pitch that barely lifted off the ground, to ensure that Australia did not beat New Zealand’s one-day international match would lose at the MCG.

Fast forward to the clash at Lord’s and Cummins was far from intimidated, boldly telling Walters, “Depends how flat the wickets get… It might be an option to go to.”

Walters later tweeted that he was the journalist who put pressure on Cummins – before going back to Australian cricket.

“But I’ve never used sandpaper to change the condition of a ball and never bowled forearm across the floor needing six from the last ball,” he posted in reference to the infamous scenes in Cape Town in 2018 during the series against South Africa. Africa which led to suspensions for David Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft.

“Cummins answered the question with good humor – fair play – but the stains on Australia’s reputation remain.”

The simmering tension comes as Australian coach Andrew McDonald stated he is ‘disappointed’ with his England counterpart Brendon McCullum’s reaction to Bairstow’s punching.

“I can’t imagine we’ll be having a beer with them anytime soon,” said an excited McCullum after the Australians took a 2-0 lead at home cricket.

McDonald said he first heard the comments while facing the press – and had not spoken to McCullum after the game.

Australian coach Andrew McDonald was ‘slightly disappointed’ after his England counterpart Brendon McCullum suggested his team was being unsportsmanlike

McCullum was thrilled after the dismissal of Jonny Bairstow on day five of the second Ashes Test, stating that the squads were unlikely to enjoy a beer together

“I’m a little disappointed about that,” McDonald said.

The Australian coach said Bairstow’s dismissal as he sauntered out of his fold was the simple execution of a plan and was not against the spirit of cricket.

“There’s no doubt when a player leaves their crease or leaves their ground at certain times when you take that opportunity,” he said.

“I think (captain Pat Cummins) mentioned there was a conversation around Jonny leaving the crease and Alex Carey took that opportunity – the ball is still alive in our minds.

“It was sent up and finally the third referee on duty decides it’s out, it’s within the rules. I don’t see much of a problem with it, to be honest.’