Refreshed Cummins eyes Bangladesh tour

Pat Cummins says he is eyeing off a spot on Australia's two-Test tour of Bangladesh in October, having finally overcome his injuries woes.

Australian cricketer Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins says he is eyeing off a spot on Australia's two-Test tour of Bangladesh in October. (AAP)

No longer overawed and finally out of cotton wool, luckless Australian paceman Pat Cummins is ready to be unleashed on Bangladesh.

It has been four years since the right-arm speedster announced himself to the world cricket community with a stunning man-of-the-match performance on Test debut in South Africa.

Cummins took match figures of 7-117 in Johannesburg, including 6-79 in the second innings, before scoring an unbeaten 13 to steer Australia to a two-wicket victory.

His well-documented injury battles struck off any chance of playing Test cricket in the years following - until he was recalled to Australia's Ashes squad after the sudden retirement of Ryan Harris.

The 22-year-old says the difference in how he carries himself around the group now couldn't be more obvious when compared to the shy, silent 18-year-old on his first tour.

"The whole tour (of South Africa in 2011) I didn't say a word, I was just listening and watching how everyone went about everything," Cummins said.

"I was just in awe of some of the guys. This tour I feel like I know everyone.

"I enjoyed them both in different ways but this one was probably a lot more relaxed.

"I probably know how I want to prepare for games and what to get out of sessions a bit more than I did a few years ago."

Without wanting to tempt fate, Cummins believes he has finally grown into his 192cm frame - and hopes to put the injury woes behind him.

Cricket Australia has famously and steadfastly taken the careful approach when it comes to managing Cummins' back, leg and foot injuries - which has led to him playing precious little red ball cricket since his memorable Test debut.

But the days of being wrapped in cotton wool are gone, he believes.

"As far as I know I am. I certainly feel like I should be," he said.

"I probably didn't realise a couple of years ago but now I'm actually a couple of years older I do feel like I've filled out my body a bit more and just from growing up and being a couple of years older.

"It does make a lot of sense, I guess, why young guys get injuries, because I do feel a lot more resilient after a couple more years."

Now finally fighting fit, Cummins is determined to seal a spot on Australia's two-Test tour of Bangladesh in October.

"I'm really happy with how I'm bowling and how everything is going," he said.

"I'm just itching to try and get back in the Test side.

"Absolutely I'd love to be on the Bangladesh tour."


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Source: AAP


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