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

Aussie captain Pat Cummins likes to play the pantomime villain when the press conference following his team’s second Test win at Lord’s is any guide.

England sports reporter Mike Walters asked the 30-year-old if his team would repeat one of Aussie cricket’s darkest episodes by bowling underarm in the wake of Jonny Bairstow’s controversial – but legal – sacking on day five of the clash.

Cummins cheekily replied, “Depends how flat the wickets get…It might be an option to go to.”

The exchange began with Walters saying, “Pat, is there such a thing, or do you believe in such a thing as spirit of cricket?” to which Cummins simply replied ‘yep’.

Walters then asked his 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 at the end of the non-striker mid delivery because the batsman is 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 Australia did not miss a one-day international match against New Zealand would lose at the MCG.

Following the comeback of Cummins’ ‘flat wickets’ – which referred to the condition of the lifeless field for the First Test at Edgbaston – Walters continued a dig at 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.’