Former Victorian cricket captain-turned-sports commentator Darren Berry has rocked the Twitter world with a rare announcement that Aussie Test captain Pat Cummins is set to step down.
His tweet landed here as he launched some scathing attacks on a rested bowling attack that was struggling as England attempted to reach a crucial innings of 592 on the third day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford.
Barry tweeted to Australian fast bowling legend Merv Hughes saying: “Here’s my take. Pat Cummins is no doubt a great cricketer, but keep in mind that it is packaged. He will step down as captain after the Ashes. The question is, will they return to Smudge or move to Head of Marsh? Ashton Turner T20.
Prominent broadcaster Jim Wilson responded: “Think it’s time to move on. Go mine and have Cummins do what he does best again. Tactically this has been a horror show for us, all credit to England and we don’t deserve to be saved by mother nature!
Shootout Pat Cummins has been attacked by many on social media after his tactical blunders in the fourth Test, with Victorian captain Darren Barry sensationally claiming the Aussie skipper will step down.
Barry (pictured) has set tongues wagging on social media with his blistering attack on the captain and Australia’s disastrous performance at Old Trafford.
Barry had previously tweeted: “This is unwatchable. Good night to all fans of our great game of cricket. Absolutely insane to anyone watching this crap with half a clue about the game. Enough, keep listening to ’em guys WTF.”
At stumps, the Aussies lost 4-113, trailing the hosts by 162 runs and praying that the expected rain would save them from a humiliating defeat.
A debate ensued as to which of the Aussies’ teammates would be the better captain if Barry’s predictions come true.
Former captain Steve Smith had his fans and detractors, while Travis Head and Pat Carey also looked like likely candidates.
One fan wrote: ‘Cummins should concentrate on bowling and leave the captaincy to someone else. His placements on the field and this short piece of nonsense reeks of someone who has no clue.
Another added: “Have they informed the ECB (England Cricket Board) to make sure it goes to the fifth test umpire? It is hard to imagine how professional players can come up with such clumsy strategies.
Merv Hughes, a big tweeter, curtly replied to Barry: “I thought you were going to bed.”
Berry’s tweet sparked speculation among cricket followers as to which member of the Aussie squad could take over from Cummins.
Aussie cutie and fast bowler Merv Hughes got engaged to Berry on Twitter as they each watched the holidaymakers hammer away in Manchester.
Barry came back for Merv, “I’m laying in bed watching it but I can’t sleep.”
Berry’s attack mainly follows the patterns used by the Aussie bowlers, then the strokes, but additionally the placements of the spheres.
Many followers claim that Cummins has no plans to fight England’s aggressive style of baseball.
One of them wrote: “The coach has some influence on this mess isn’t he? I’ve never seen an Australian team play like this, not even when (Michael) Clarke was captain and he had no cattle, he had a crack.
“Bowling and fielding tactics are absolutely worthless. I hope the rain comes but they don’t deserve it,” tweeted another.
One outraged fan took issue with Barry’s argument: “It’s humorous to see ex-cricketers say that. But I swear for as long as I’ve watched along with Darren Berry or Ricky Ponting’s period, fast bowlers and captains have endured short bowling to meet the demands of Enders even when they’re not working. It’s like they all forgot they did the identical factor.
Play on the fifth day will resume at 8:00 PM EST.