Pat Cummins achieves massive feat, joins Imran Khan in elite Test captains’ list against England

Australia captain Pat Cummins delivered yet another statement performance in the ongoing third Ashes Test at Adelaide, etching his name alongside legendary Pakistan all-rounder Imran Khan in an exclusive record list. With a fiery spell early on Day 4, Cummins became only the second Test captain in history to claim 150 or more wickets while leading his side.

Cummins leads from the front in England’s steep chase

After Australia set England a daunting target of 435 runs, Cummins wasted no time in asserting his authority with the ball. The fast bowler struck twice in quick succession, removing Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, leaving England reeling early in their second innings.

Those two wickets not only gave Australia the perfect start but also pushed Cummins past the 150-wicket mark as a Test captain — a milestone previously achieved only by Imran Khan. The achievement underlines Cummins’ rare combination of leadership and match-winning bowling prowess in the longest format.

Cummins’ ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations has been a recurring theme throughout the Ashes series, and his performance in Adelaide further cemented his reputation as one of the finest fast-bowling captains of the modern era.

England fight back through Crawley and Root

Despite the early setbacks, England found some stability through Zak Crawley and Joe Root, who stitched together a crucial partnership to keep their hopes alive. The duo showed composure and discipline, negotiating Australia’s pace attack and taking England to 108 for 2 by tea.

Root, England’s most dependable batter in Tests, once again played the anchor role, while Crawley provided valuable support at the other end. Their stand offered England a glimmer of hope in what remains an uphill task against a relentless Australian attack on a wearing Adelaide surface.

Australia still firmly in control

While Crawley and Root steadied the innings, Australia remain in a commanding position. With a substantial target on the board and a potent bowling lineup led by Cummins, the hosts will be confident of breaking the partnership and pushing for a series-clinching victory.

As play progresses, England face a monumental challenge — both in surviving Australia’s relentless pressure and in defying history at a venue where fourth-innings chases are notoriously difficult.