Pat Cummins: World Cricket's Bowler of the Month, September 2015
With so few international games in the month of September, there was little to choose from, but Pat Cummins takes home the prize of world cricket’s bowler of the month.
The fast bowler was instrumental in Australia beating England 3-2 in the one-day international series away from home, touching high pace and getting wickets.
At times, the English batsmen looked unable to deal with his pace and accuracy, while he was also able to find some movement through the air in helpful conditions.
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Unfortunately, the strain proved to be too much for the injury-prone 22-year-old as he suffered another stress fracture, but he did some good work beforehand.
The injury means he will be out of action for several months recovering, although he is positive and feels he will return in time for the ICC World Twenty20 in March.
However, he can reflect on some strong performances in the month of September, which should give him plenty of heart moving forward.
September Performance Summary
| 9.3-1-48-2 | England | ODI | Southampton | September 3 |
| 8.3-0-56-4 | England | ODI | Lord's | September 5 |
| 10-1-50-2 | England | ODI | Old Trafford | September 8 |
| 10-0-49-4 | England | ODI | Headingley | September 11 |
| 6-0-33-0 | England | ODI | Old Trafford | September 13 |
Standout Performance
In the fourth ODI against hosts England at Headingley, Cummins looked in incredible form as he took four for 49 in 10 overs and very nearly hustled England to defeat.
The hosts went on to win by three wickets, but it was not for a lack of trying on Cummins' part.
Handed the new ball by captain Steven Smith, he dismissed Alex Hales off his second ball then removed Jason Roy shortly after as he looked to hit his stride.
He could not get another breakthrough until he had Eoin Morgan caught by Glenn Maxwell for 92, and he kept things interesting as he had Liam Plunkett caught by the same man.
It was not enough to force victory, but it showed Cummins at his rapid and accurate best, evidenced by a low economy rate of 4.9 runs per over.
The Coming Months
With his stress fracture, Cummins faces the prospect of several months on the sidelines recovering from yet another injury setback in his young career.
He will be motivated to appear in the ICC World Twenty20 in March, but until then, he must rebuild his fitness.
Hopefully he will come back even stronger.
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