T20 World Cup 2022: Trouble down under Aaron Finch rejects Pat Cummins' criticism

Is Pat Cummins' decision-making a burden for Australia?

Pat Cummins withdrew from sponsorship deals like the Alinta Energy ads and Netball Australia's Hancock Prospecting project that attracted large-scale criticism. 

When the T20 World Cup started, Pat Cummins again became the centre of controversy for the style of bowling he exercised in Tuesday's match against Sri Lanka. 

Although the Aussies won, cricket legend Mark Waugh was not ready to let the matter slide. After watching Pat Cummins concede 20 runs in an over, Mark Waugh, a former national team selector, said that Pat Cummins should be benched during Friday's match against England.

"There's players individually that just aren't getting it right," Mark Waugh remarked. "Pat Cummins with the ball, there's a massive question mark over him heading into the next game." 

Mark Waugh even digs Aaron Finch's performance, suggesting he should bat in the middle order. Aussie legend Allan Border agreed with the jabs directed at Aaron Finch. 

However, the skipper was unfazed by the matter, and his latest response made headlines. 

Aaron Finch calls his dipping form an "anomaly"

Australian captain Aaron Finch has shunned all claims that suggest he needs to be replaced at the top of the batting order. He dismissed his poor performance against Sri Lanka at the T20 World Cup 2022 as an anomaly.

After handing over his ODI captaincy, Aaron Finch charged into the T20 World Cup 2022 in tattered form. He only scored four runs out of his first 15 balls and stopped at 31 not out off 42 balls in Australia's seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka. 

He even asked the umpire how to play a Lahiru Kumara delivery on the pitch. "Happy to take any ideas if you know how to hit that," he said. Despite his slow and evident decline, the skipper did not show any concern. 

"I think it was an anomaly in my career, it was just one of those days," Aaron Finch said. "I still feel like I'm playing pretty well."

"Everyone's got their opinion, that's fine. I've got no issue with what people's personal opinions are, I don't read or listen to any of it," he added. 

Aaron Finch dismisses Pat Cummins' criticism with words of encouragement

Before Friday's do-or-die match between Australia and England faced a rain-related suspension, Aaron Finch responded to the shade thrown on Australian ODI and Test skipper Pat Cummins. 

"His [Cummins] numbers over the last 18 months have been outstanding in T20 cricket," Aaron Finch said, supporting the world's number-one ranked test bowler.

"It blows my mind sometimes where people go with selection chat. He's been unbelievable over all three formats for a long time and the calmness and experience that he brings to a bowling group is invaluable," he added.

Although crickets experts' receding faith in the players seems alarming to some, the reassurance thrown in response will surely soothe hearts and put doubts to rest for now.

Currently, Australia is at risk of being eliminated from the tournament. Their title defence on home soil depends on how they fare in their upcoming match scheduled against Ireland on October 31.