We need to find ways of performing, says Pat Cummins after 134-run loss vs SA

Australia captain Pat Cummins has said that they need to find ways of performing following their 134-run loss against South Africa at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. This is the first time since 1992 that Australia has lost its opening two matches in the World Cup.

Speaking after the match, Cummins showered praise on Quinton de Kock, saying he batted really well, adding that the target was gettable but they fell short. De Kock scored 109 runs to bring up his second century in as many matches in this World Cup.

“I thought Quinton (de Kock) batted really well, couldn’t get a breakthrough. From where they were, we were quite happy with 310, thought it was gettable. Looked like hard work out there tonight, their bowlers bowled really well, think it nipped around a bit more under lights,” said Cummins.

When asked if the result would have been different had Australia batted first, Cummins said they need to find



ways of performing regardless of batting first or second. Australia conceded 311 for 7 in the first innings against South Africa.

“Really hard to say, if we want to be challenging in this tournament we need to find ways of performing regardless of batting first or second,” Cummins added.

He went on to say that there are a few things that they will need to tidy up before their next match. After losing their opening match by 6 wickets against hosts India, Australia succumbed to their second straight loss in Lucknow.

“Don’t think much needs to be said tonight, everyone’s hurting, we’ll try and take a couple of days off and then make amends to come back stronger in the next one. There’s a few things we need to tidy up,” said Cummins.

Australia will be looking to bounce back when they take on Sri Lanka in their next World Cup match, set o be held at the same venue on October 16.