Watch: Pat Cummins received a brutal welcome to Major League Cricket, as his very first ball in the competition was deposited for six by Ryan Rickleton.
Earlier this year, the World Cup-winning Australia captain confirmed that he had signed a deal to play in the second season of Major League Cricket in the USA, with the San Francisco Unicorns.
Cummins missed the side's first three matches as he took an extended rest following the 2024 T20 World Cup, which saw Australia fail to make the semifinals. He arrived in time to make his MLC debut in the Unicorns' fourth match of the campaign, against Seattle Orcas.
San Francisco batted first and scored 165-7. Matthew Short top-scored with a solid 56, and quickfire contributions came from Finn Allen (34) and Sanjay Krishnamurthi (30). Cummins batted at No.8, and remained not out on six.
With no clear captaincy successor across formats, the next few seasons are critical for the Indian team. Planning a smooth succession is vital but challenging for the BCCI given the numerous variables and options.@CoverDrivenFor4 shares his opinions: https://t.co/MhdIn1fia2 pic.twitter.com/PPMlMW3SoU
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) July 16, 2024
In the run chase, Seattle had made a sedate start, getting to 22-0 in 4 overs. Cummins came on to bowl the fifth over, and started with a fullish off-cutter on leg-stump. Left-hander Ryan Rickleton duly obliged the loosener, swinging through the line and sending the ball over long-on to welcome Cummins.
The over ended up going for 14 runs. Cummins did recover, though, and finished with 1-35 from his four overs, dismissing Shehan Jayasuriya in the 11th over. San Francisco ended up winning by 23 runs, with Liam Plunkett named Player of the Match for his 3-26.
Watch Pat Cummins get hit for six off his first ball in Major League Cricket here
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