 "How contagious is it? – Firstpost")
- Pat Cummins sledged handful of rival stars
- Included Virat Kohli and Ben Stokes
- Aussie skipper won’t play in tournament
Pat Cummins’ sense of humour was on full display when the Aussie cricket captain took part in a recently released ICC Champions Trophy promotional clip for Prime Video.
Cummins won’t play in the tournament – to be staged in the Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates – due to an ankle injury, but it didn’t stop the paceman from sledging a number of his rivals, namely England all-rounder Ben Stokes and Indian veteran Virat Kohli.
Even England young gun Ollie Pope was in Cummins’ sights, with the bowler telling the rising star ‘you better start praying.’
Some of Cummins’ other playful gems include: ‘Oi Ben. I’m not stoked about you,’ as he chuckles to himself in front of a mirror before shaving.
Of the former Indian captain: ‘Hey Kohli, I’ve never seen you bat this slowly’.
And clearly mocking South African star batsman Quinton de Kock, Cummins instead utters: ‘More like Quinton de Block.’
Pat Cummins’ sense of humour was on full display when the Aussie cricket captain took part in a recently released ICC Champions Trophy video for Prime (pictured)
The Aussie skipper (pictured, with wife Becky) won’t play in the tournament due to an ankle injury
It comes as Cummins prepares to be a father for a second time, with wife Becky heavily pregnant.
The couple also welcomed their son Albie into the world back in 2021.
Australia will field a new-look side in the ICC Champions Trophy, with fellow quick Josh Hazlewood also missing out due to a hip injury.
‘Unfortunately Pat and Josh are managing some ongoing injuries and haven’t come up in time,’ national selection panel chair George Bailey said.
‘While disappointing, it does present a great opportunity for other players to perform for Australia in a world event.’
Elsewhere, all-rounder Marcus Stoinis announced his retirement from ODI cricket effective immediately this week, with Sean Abbott and recent Test debutant Cooper Connolly looming as possible replacements.
Australia’s first match is against England in Lahore on February 22, with South Africa and Afghanistan also in Group B.
Steve Smith and Travis Head are the lead options to replace Cummins as skipper.
The final is on March 9.
