'Pat Kamina'- Pat Cummins divides cricket fans after his brutal call leaves Usman Khawaja stranded on 195* against South Africa

Pat Cummins Usman Khawaja (Image source: Twitter)

Australia and South Africa are clashing horns in a 3-match Test series where Australia have already won the first two matches. With the intention of making a whitewash, Australia took on the African team yet again on January 4^th at Sydney Cricket Ground.

While the game was heading towards a draw with frequent stoppages due to rain, one Pat Cummins call has moved all eyes on the game. The game lost 47 overs on Day 1 due to poor weather, 14 on Day 2 due to the same reason and the entirety of the third day due to incessant rain.

In these two days, Australia had posted 475/4 with Usman Khawaja and Matt Renshaw unbeaten at the end of Day 2. Aussie opener Khawaja was playing at 195 at the end of Day 2 and Day 3. With just 5 runs away from his first-ever Test double century, Khawaja was left to dry as Australia captain Cummins declared the innings.

Earlier, Khawaja was joking around that declaring when he was on 195 would be a ‘harsh’ call for Cummins.  “I think it’d be pretty harsh if he bowled straight away. I don’t think that’s going to happen,” he said.

“He’s been making a few jokes... (saying) ‘I’ve let (South African skipper) Dean Elgar know that we want to go out and have a bowl straight away’. We could go out there and get a few more runs really quickly or we could declare pretty much straight away. I’m not the captain... I don’t make those decisions."

That, however, is exactly what happened as Cummins declared the innings at the start of Day 4 when Australia were 475/4 and more importantly with Khawaja at 195*.

Soon fans started to discuss the shocking call on Twitter and other social media platforms. Many could not believe that a captain could take such a call when his player is just 5 runs short of such an incredible feat. Many however also lauded Cummins for going for the win and not paying heed to personal milestones.

Currently, South Africa are 112/4 and the scoreline has vindicated Cummins’ call to some extent. If they manage to get South Africa out on Day 4, they would have a chance for a win.

Here is how Twitter reacted to Pat Cummins' call: 

It just goes to show what a prick Pat Cummins is! He’s all about himself and I’ve never liked him as a captain . Fantastic effort from Usman khawaja, sadly being denied his double century.

— Crystal White (@Crystal84095526) January 7, 2023

If Australia don’t go on to win this test match, I will never forgive Pat Cummins for declaring with Uzzie on 195* #AUSvSA

— Riley Nelson (@rileyjnelson13) January 7, 2023

#AUSvSA #Usman 5 short of maiden double ton. #PatCummins declares. Really knows how to endear himself to the fans. Bit of a wanker. 😒

— Ian Blackley 🎧 (@ian_g_blackers) January 7, 2023

Usman Khawaja has every right to be pissed off right now - it was gonna be a draw anyway, let the poor man make 5 more runs #AUSvSA

— Leonardo Puglisi (@Leo_Puglisi6) January 7, 2023

Australia declaring in a dead rubber game where they need 20 wickets in a day & a half of play and Usman Khawaja on 195 not out is an absolute dog move. Usman Khawaja deserved the chance to get his first ever 200. #AUSvSA

— Richard (@rpenners1) January 7, 2023

Team first or whatever the shit they call it. The declaration when @Uz_Khawaja has waited for 2 days to score just 5 more runs to score his first ever double ton in test cricket is pure nonsense from @patcummins30. Australia has already won the series. #AUSvRSA #UsmanKhawaja

— Sabih Saleem (@SSanwar87) January 7, 2023

it’s hard to digest how #Australia cricket team ignored #UsmanKhawaja to complete his 200 which he could have done with 1 stroke or max 1 over given to play.
Not condemning this biased act from cricket legends is more concerning! #AUSvsRSA , shame Australia cricket

— Muhammad ajmal (@AjmalllCh) January 7, 2023

While individual milestones are great, cricket is ultimately a team game. It’s unfortunate for Usman Khawaja in this instance, but Pat Cummins made the correct decision to declare. #AUSvSA

— Keelan (@I_am_da_BOM) January 7, 2023

Pat Cummins did a Rahul Dravid today

Sachin can feel Usman Khwaja#AUSvRSA

— Priya 🌸❄ (@priya_jajoo) January 7, 2023

Cummins And Khawaja Today Remembers Of Rahul Dravid and Sachin pic.twitter.com/2rQ0HMSMh9

— Balmuri Abhijith (@BalmuriAbhijit) January 7, 2023