'It was really special' - Pat Cummins on emotional moment with family after Edgbaston victory

Australia took a 1-0 in the first Ashes Test after registering a two-wicket win over England at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Opener Usman Khawaja emerged as the Player of the Match following his magnificent ton (141 off 321) in the first innings and a gritty 65 off 197 balls in the second.

After a stunning win in the first Test, Aussie skipper Cummins said that he is fortunate to have his father and brother at Edgbaston to support him. The 30-year-old recalled that his father was there in 2019 with his mother Maria, who passed away due to breast cancer in March 2023. Notably, the Australian Test captain was forced to travel back home midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India due to the same reason.

"It was really special, Dad has been here all week and I just feel lucky to have him here. It's been a tough few months. My brother has been here all week as well. Dad was here in 2019 with Mum. Having him here was just really special. I missed the first 20 minutes, but he put on a show like he always does, The Boss. Great week," Cummis said as quoted by Dailymail.

Cummins-Lyon partnership helps Australia beat England in first Test

Cummins excelled with the ball as well as the bat during the first Test. After finishing wicketless in the opening innings, Cummins made a terrific comeback, claiming a four-wicket haul in the second innings. In Australia's first innings, he scored a crucial 38 off 62 deliveries, including three boundaries. 

Notably, the 30-year-old was instrumental in his side's second innings as well, smashing an unbeaten 44 off 73 and putting on a 55-run partnership with Nathan Lyon (16* off 28) for the ninth wicket to help the team win the first Test. The second Test of the five-match series will begin from June 28 at the Lord’s Cricket Ground.