Getting Tamim's wicket was hugely satisfying: Pat Cummins

The first Test match between hosts Bangladesh and Australia is going down the wire as tomorrow’s (August 30) first session will possibly give us a clearer picture of the result of the game. After a great show in the first innings, Bangladeshi batters collapsed for just 221 runs in front of the calm and composed baggy greens’ bowling lineup in the second.

The only man who stood firm like a mountain and was not ready to succumb to pressure was Tamim Iqbal. But the swashbuckling opener was undone on 78 by speedster Pat Cummins, and he admitted that getting a wicket as big as Tamim’s was simply overwhelming.

Chasing a target of 265, the Aussies lost Matt Renshaw and Usman Khawaja early. But the two vastly experienced campaigners, skipper Steve Smith and David Warner has steadied the ship and there’s no debate over the fact that the ball is now in the away side’s court.

When asked about Tamim’s dismissal, Cummins replied, “I think it just kicked off a length. I think the pitch is doing a couple of little things every now and then but it was just one that happened to kick up a bit and fortunately hit the glove. Obviously really satisfying. To get another wicket, a big wicket as Tamim was looking in great form, was hugely satisfying.”

While Cummins took the all important wicket of Tamim, Smith missed the services of his go-to bowler Josh Hazlewood, who was injured in the match. “He’s going to be really hard to replace. He’s played all but one of the last 30 Tests. He said it is going to be pretty hard sitting at home watching, he hasn’t done that for three or four years. So he’s a big member around the group,” he said about his pace counterpart’s unwanted omission from the fiery bowling attack.

We are in a great position

When asked to predict the fate of the mouth-watering encounter, Cummins said that his team is a very good position and a good first hour tomorrow can settle the deal. “Yeah, I think it is a great position. I think the pitch seems to have mellowed out a little bit compared to day one. I mean, I think keeping our target to 260 (265) really kept us in the game and to finish off tonight like we did, if we have a good first hour tomorrow it should really set the game up. So I think we’re in a great position,” Cummins concluded.