Pat Cummins has recently achieved a significant milestone in his cricket career, securing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in his career. This victory means that he has now won every major trophy in cricket, an accomplishment that few can boast. Furthermore, Australia has “completed” Test cricket by winning every bilateral series against all Test-playing nations. Cummins’ legacy is quickly becoming one of consistent success, as he continues to add major trophies to his collection, further solidifying his place as one of the modern greats of Australian cricket.
Australia’s recent triumphs in various formats have further cemented its position as one of the most dominant cricket teams in the world. They have not only retained the Ashes over the last few series, but they have also won the 2021 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup, adding another World Test Championship title in 2023. These victories highlight the team’s dominance in all formats, which many believe places them among the greatest cricket teams of all time. However, while the Australian team’s accomplishments are impressive, there are still areas of their legacy that remain incomplete.
Despite their successes, one notable gap in their achievements has been their inability to win an Ashes series in England or conquer India in India. These were feats that earlier Australian teams, especially those in the early 2000s, managed to accomplish. The 2001 Ashes series in England and the 2004 series in India are seen as two of the most significant achievements in Australian cricket history. These teams, led by captains like Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting, were seen as dominant forces, capable of overcoming any challenges. In comparison, the current team, while incredibly successful at home, has struggled to replicate this level of success abroad, especially in India and England.
Mark Waugh, a former Australian cricketer, commented on the strength of the current team, praising the individual talents of players like Steve Smith, David Warner, Usman Khawaja, and Travis Head. Waugh also highlighted the strength of the Australian bowling attack, including Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon, suggesting that this group of bowlers is one of the best Australia has ever produced. However, despite these remarkable players, the team has faced significant challenges in international tours, particularly against India and England, where they have failed to win series in recent years.
The team’s shortcomings on foreign soil—especially losing to India in multiple series and drawing the Ashes series in England—have been a point of concern. Waugh acknowledged that a truly great team would have won the Ashes in England and beaten India in India. While the current team is undoubtedly talented, these gaps in their record stand out and are often cited as areas where they have fallen short compared to some of the legendary Australian sides of the past. In Waugh’s view, the team would consider these two areas as unfinished business.
Looking back at Australia’s golden era of the late 1990s and early 2000s, it’s clear why this period is regarded as one of the greatest in the history of the sport. Captained by Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting, this team boasted an incredible array of talent, from prolific batsmen like Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting, and Damien Martyn, to iconic bowlers like Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, and Brett Lee. The team’s dominance was so complete that they were chosen to play a World XI in the 2005 ICC Super Series, where they won all four matches against a team that included legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, and Jacques Kallis.
The dominance of that era is hard to fathom today, especially with the format changes and the growing influence of the T20 format. Mike Hussey, an integral part of that team, recalled the 2005 Super Series and reflected on the competitive nature of playing against some of the best cricketers in the world. Despite the World XI not having team cohesion due to a lack of preparation, Australia’s hunger for success, especially after their 2005 Ashes loss, helped them emerge victorious. Hussey fondly remembered the experience and highlighted how the competitive spirit of the team drove their success.
Looking ahead, the next Ashes series in 2025-26 will be crucial for both Australia and England. England’s aggressive “Bazball” style of cricket under Ben Stokes has taken the cricket world by storm, but it remains to be seen if it can succeed in Australia’s tough conditions. Stokes and Brendon McCullum’s high-risk, high-reward approach to the game will face a real test against Australia’s experienced and disciplined team. Michael Vaughan, former England captain, has pointed out that England may need to adapt their game when playing in Australia, as the risks of their aggressive style may not always pay off in the face of Australia’s strong bowling attack.
For Australia, the upcoming Ashes will also be a defining moment for Pat Cummins as a captain. If Australia can retain the Ashes and win the World Test Championship final, Cummins will be placed among the greatest captains in Australia’s cricket history. His leadership has been exceptional, with a winning record that puts him alongside legends like Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting. Despite his injury struggles earlier in his career, Cummins has proven to be one of the most consistent and reliable fast bowlers in world cricket. His ability to lead by example and contribute with the ball has been key to Australia’s sustained success.
Mitchell Starc, another member of Australia’s formidable bowling attack, is also making a case for himself as one of the best fast bowlers in the country’s history. At 35, Starc shows no signs of slowing down and is on track to join Glenn McGrath as just the second Australian fast bowler to play 100 Tests. His remarkable durability and ability to take wickets under pressure have been instrumental in Australia’s recent successes. According to Brett Lee, Starc’s ability to bowl with precision, especially his ability to swing the ball late, has made him one of the most exciting bowlers in modern cricket.
Nathan Lyon, Australia’s leading spinner, has also made his mark, with his wicket tally set to surpass that of McGrath, an incredible achievement for a spinner. Alongside Lyon, Usman Khawaja, whose number of centuries now exceeds that of Damien Martyn, continues to be a key figure in Australia’s batting lineup. With a combination of experienced players and younger talent, such as Cameron Green, Nathan McSweeney, and Sam Konstas, Australia’s future looks promising. These younger players will help balance the team and ensure that it remains competitive for years to come.
Despite their successes, the aging core of Australia’s team can sometimes look vulnerable. In recent matches, the team has been tested, such as during the first Test in Perth when Jasprit Bumrah took quick wickets. However, with emerging talents like Green and McSweeney joining the team, Australia’s future looks strong. The team’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure will be critical to maintaining their position at the top of world cricket.
Ultimately, next summer’s Ashes series will play a pivotal role in determining the legacy of both teams. For Australia, the series will provide an opportunity to reinforce their dominance in world cricket and further cement the legacies of players like Cummins, Starc, and Lyon. For England, it will be a test of whether their aggressive, high-risk style of cricket can succeed in Australia’s tough conditions. Regardless of the outcome, the Ashes will undoubtedly shape the future of both teams and their place in cricket history.
