Pat Cummins declares World Cup triumph as the pinnacle of Australia’s stellar year

Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, declared that Sunday’s World Cup final victory over India, securing a record-extending sixth title in the format, marked the pinnacle of an extraordinary 2023 season for the team.

Under Cummins’ leadership, Australia accomplished significant milestones, including retaining the Ashes against arch-rivals England, winning the World Test Championship Final against India, and ultimately triumphing over Rohit Sharma’s side by six wickets in Ahmedabad to lift one-day cricket’s ultimate prize.

“That’s huge, I think that’s the pinnacle of international cricket, winning a one-day World Cup. Especially over here in India, in front of a crowd like this,” Cummins said, as the Australians silenced over 90,000 fans for much of the game.

“It’s been a big year for everyone… Ashes, World Test Championship and top it off with this is just huge and these are the moments that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

“You only get a shot at it every four years. Even if you have a 10-year career, you might only get two chances at it. And yeah, it’s just the whole cricket world stops with this World Cup. So it doesn’t get any better.”

Pat Cummins has elevated his stature as a captain throughout the course of the World Cup, steering Australia through a journey that began with two consecutive losses. Mitchell Starc expressed admiration for his pace bowling colleague, crediting Cummins for orchestrating victories in the subsequent nine games.

“Pat has been phenomenal all tournament with his decision making,” Starc said. “That’s capped off an unbelievable eight weeks for his team. I have no words.

“Between Pat and all our coaches, it’s been an incredible winter. I don’t think you can write a script to top the winter we’ve had. To win a World Cup in India, it’s been a fantastic eight weeks.

“It’s been tough but gee whiz it has been successful and enjoyable.”

Cummins said Australia’s triumph had made him fall in love with 50-over cricket again even as questions about the future of the format linger.

“I think the scenario where every game really matters, it does mean a bit different to just a bilateral. The World Cup’s got such rich history, I’m sure it’s going to be around for a long time,” Cummins added.

“There’s so many wonderful games, so many wonderful stories within this last couple of months. I think there’s definitely a place.”