Last Updated on 2 years by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: Pat Cummins reaction to Australia’s defeat at Headingley | We didn’t grab the little moments – Cummins

England have kept their hopes alive of a stunning Ashes comeback after taking out the third Test by three wickets. Their pursuit of 251 is one of the highest successful run chases at the ground, testament to the determination of Ben Stokes’ team to come back from difficult positions throughout the Test.

Australian captain Pat Cummins echoed those sentiments. Speaking to Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) after the Test, Cummins said Australia didn’t grab the big moments which ultimately saw them fall short of a series-clinching victory.

“Another wonderful Test match, I think we had our chances throughout that we didn’t quite grab,” he said. “I think England played better this week, so yeah it’s a shame, but a great Test match.

“Little moments that we didn’t quite grab, which hopefully next time they present themselves, we take them. Bit with the bat, bit with the ball. A couple of times we could have been really clinical, and just weren’t.”

Cummins reaction to Headingley loss – batting stumbles key to the result

Asked by Bharat Sundaresan as to whether the dismissals of Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith turned the game, Cummins said the team missed an opportunity to take a huge foothold in the game in both innings with the bat.

“That certainly felt like an opportunity where we could have batted big and put a 300-plus total for England to chase, which would have been pretty tough I think,” said the captain.

“In the first innings, I’m as guilty as anyone, we lost six for 30 us tailenders. So, a few areas we can tidy up.”

Cummins also praised Mitchell Marsh who enjoyed a successful return to the Test team after four years. Marsh hit a superb century on the opening day and also took two important wickets as he got the ball swinging more than anyone else on the final day.

“So good to see big Mitchy back,” Cummins said. “Four years since his last Test, he’s had surgeries to try get himself right for red-ball cricket. He’s put so much time and effort. To see him get another chance and to show what he’s made of; as a really close mate, I couldn’t be happier for him and he was awesome even with the ball today.”

There is now a nine-day gap until the Old Trafford Test. The scenario remains the same for Australia – avoid defeat at Manchester and they will retain the Ashes.

However, England will be full of confidence and another potentially thrilling Test match awaits us next week.