Sydney Thunder debutant Jay Lenton did well with gloves and bat despite his team's loss to the Perth Scorchers and he saw close up just why Pat Cummins is Australian cricket's brightest talent.
Lenton replaced Jake Doran as the Thunder wicket-keeper making his BBL debut as his team lost to the Scorchers by 50 runs at the WACA Ground.
But his showing with the gloves and bat, and the continued performances of Cummins were two highlights.
The Thunder remain winless after four games but 26-year-old Lenton showed he is a wicket-keeper batsman worth persisting with, as Cummins impressed again with bat and ball.
Cummins has had a horror injury run since his stunning Test debut in South Africa in 2011, but again in the loss to the Scorchers, bowled well and fast taking 1-28 in four overs.
Then with the Thunder in desperate trouble chasing Perth's 4-177, Cummins was a shining light top-scoring with 39 from 26 balls as they limped to 8-127.
Lenton kept to Cummins and then shared with him a 42-run partnership and couldn't help but be impressed.
"You can definitely class Pat as an all-rounder now. I think he has always been one, he just hasn't really had the chance to show what he can do fully with the bat," Lenton said.
"We know what he can do with the ball when he's fit and I'm excited for Pat, and I think everyone is excited for Pat and all of Australian cricket is excited for Pat. Bowling in the 150's and hitting big sixes, it's all looking up for him."
Lenton completed a stumping from the off-spin bowling of Chris Green to dismiss Ian Bell in a tidy effort behind the stumps.
Then after coming to the wicket at 6-50, he made 16 from 14 with two fours and an impressive six.
Having previously played three Sheffield Shield games for NSW late in 2015, not only was it his BBL debut, but first ever visit to the WACA and the first ball he faced was belted down by Mitchell Johnson.
"I've never actually been to the WACA before and when everyone tells you what the WACA is all about, you actually have to experience it for yourself to understand. I'm so glad that I got to do that," Lenton said.
