By Chris Dutton
Older, wiser and stronger: Pat Cummins is convinced advice from bowling great Dennis Lillee has hardened the tearaway quick for his World Cup campaign and his troubled days of injury are over.
Cummins will get a perfect World Cup warm-up opportunity when he plays for the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on Wednesday.
Pat Cummins.Credit: Getty Images
The 21-year-old exploded onto the international stage with figures of 7-117 in his Test debut in 2011. Since then, back problems have limited him to just six first-class games and seven one-day internationals.
But after almost 12 months of injury-free action, Australian selectors have put their faith in the speedster to shoulder a World Cup work load next month.
"I'm really lucky in the opportunities I get given ... I've had a long build-up and I know where I'm at," Cummins said.
"I know where my expectations are and everything else you don't really worry about.
"The main thing is I've grown up a little bit, I'm older and stronger and I haven't had to make any big changes. A lot of other bowlers go through this, I didn't have to be radical. I just had to wait it out."
Cummins will join young bowlers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood to form an Australian pace attack with Mitchell Johnson for the World Cup.
Sending down 10 overs of thunderbolts for the PM's XI against England at Manuka Oval is another step in his mission to prove he is back to his best.
Despite missing almost two years of cricket, Cummins insists he never considered giving up.
He's already won World Cup selection ahead of PM's XI teammate Jason Behrendorff and isn't shy about his ambition to make a Test comeback in the Ashes this year.
His confidence stems from working with Lillee, who overcame back problems in his own career to be one of the world's premier bowlers.
"There have been too many people to name who have helped me ... Dennis Lillee has been through it before and I was lucky enough to work with him and talk through it," Cummins said.
"Dennis was great, he's an all-time great and was a fantastic mentor. The main advice was just be confident in your body. It's nothing to worry about.
"I never contemplated anything other than playing cricket. The injuries are common, once it happens you can build a timeline on when you need to be back. I still think I'm lucky because cricket is my job."
Cummins edged out Canberra junior and former Perth Scorchers teammate Behrendorff, the leading wicket taker in the Big Bash League, for a spot in the World Cup squad.
They will form a dynamic opening attack against England, who begin their Tri-Series against Australia on Friday.
Cummins and batsman Glenn Maxwell will use the PM's XI contest as the perfect warm up for Australia's one-day series and the World Cup and coach Phil Jaques backed both to perform at their peak.
"Patty is an excitement machine ... having those guys in your team is great," Jaques said.
"We've got a great mix of players, some of the best up-and-comers and guys who are preparing for the World Cup.