While Australians rejoice in the summer heat, for those currently in England a desire for warmer climes grows by the day. As we fret over our exorbitant heating bills, it’s easy to forget that a home World Cup is only a few months away, followed by an all-important Ashes contest.

In a year that sees battle take place for the little urn, focus drifts from the here and now. England’s time in the Caribbean has been nightmarish, with the goodwill garnered from their end-of-year visit to Sri Lanka all but extinguished, but their tendency for self-implosion alive and well.

It seems near-miraculous that after Cummins’ previous life on a medical bed, he has been close to ever-present in Australia’s side without looking depleted. Some acts have been superhuman.

The first Test against India saw to that Herculean run-out late on the first day, Cummins flinging himself from mid-on to launch a direct hit at the non-striker’s end, removing Cheteshwar Pujara. Most fast bowlers would have been signing autographs at fine-leg or mentally prepping themselves for a post-play rub-down.

Just two years ago, the most ardent Cummins supporter would have simply wished for another glimpse of the man wearing his baggy green. Now, they’re just being spoiled.