Pat Cummins leads by example as Australia win thrilling Ashes opener

Cummins made an outstanding, unbeaten 44 as he led a match-winning stand of 55.

Australia’s Pat Cummins celebrates after day five of the first Ashes test match at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Picture date: Tuesday June 20, 2023.

Australia captain Pat Cummins led his side to a remarkable two-wicket victory in the Ashes opener at Edgbaston, holding his nerve in a heart-pounding chase that left Ben Stokes and his England team distraught.

The shadow of the famous 2005 Test between the old rivals had loomed large over this final day but where England edged that one in a dramatic two-run win, Cummins exorcised some of those ghosts as he ushered the tourists home amid unbearable pressure.