by Saj Sadiq (2nd July 2012)

 

Australian teenage speed sensation Pat Cummins, who has been ruled out of the 5 matches ODI series with England after suffering a medium level side strain, has an action that is likely to cause him further long-term problems. This was stated in exclusive remarks to PakPassion.net by Ian Pont who is widely regarded as an expert on bowling actions.

 

The 19 year old tearaway Cummins has only recently come back from a heel issue that sidelined him for a few months. This latest injury according to Pont is "merely a sign that a few things are not quite right".

 

Pont, author of The Fast Bowler's Bible, and who has previously worked with Dale Steyn, Darren Gough and Shoaib Akhtar said "Cummins is a wonderful talent but has been allowed to go unchecked with several flaws with his bowling. He runs at an angle towards fine leg, has a mixed bowling action, then has a lateral flexion (fall away) meaning he releases the ball almost two feet outside of his body width. The stresses and strains on this type of action will take their toll."

 

Cummins, who clocks speeds in excess of 90 mph, is heralded as having a bright future by Cricket Australia. His results certainly bear out that fact. However, this is the second major setback for the youngster now and Pont feels it can be corrected with some technical tweaks. "Brett Lee had some similar issues with lateral flexion as a teenager that led to back injuries but corrected them and Steyn straightened his run up." said Pont. 

 

Pont added "If Cummins can straighten up his approach, address some of his misalignments and then have all his energy going towards the target, he will not only be less injury prone, but increase his speed and accuracy. If your top half drives towards third slip then it's clear not all your energy is going at the batsman. You end up 'pushing' the ball if you are not careful and can lose your wrist position. This is what happened to Steve Harmison eventually."

 

Pont further added, "It's not all about core strength and stability. It is often about not addressing technical flaws at a young age that go on to become issues later in life. It's not too late for Cummins to make tweaks as Lee and Steyn have done. But the bowler himself and the coaches around him have to know how to make the improvements. Just because someone has been successful up until now doesn't mean that coaches shouldn't seek to make them even better."

 

Cummins is set to leave England to return to Australia for medical treatment.