LAHORE: Australian skipper Pat Cummins was thrilled to claim a historic Test series in Pakistan just months after their Ashes victory, on their first tour to the country in 24 years.
“I think everyone is totally elated. Winning at home in the Ashes series and winning overseas doesn’t happen very often,” said Cummins, whose team arrived on the back of a 4-0 Ashes win over England in January.
“It was real toil for the last 25 to 30 days and to come here was totally different to Australia, with different conditions,” he added, after being declared man of the match for his eight wickets in the Test.
“The whole spirit has been fantastic. A lot of fun.”
Australia capped the three-match series with a 115-run win in the final match in Lahore on Friday, with spinner Nathan Lyon taking 5-83 and Cummins 3-23.
Set 351 runs to win, Pakistan were bowled out for 235 in their second innings, losing their last five wickets for a mere 22 runs.
The first two Tests — in Rawalpindi and Karachi — ended in draws.
“I think in hindsight I would have liked one or two wickets overnight,” said Cummins of Pakistan’s 73-0 on Thursday.
“Getting top-order wickets with the new ball in the first 30 to 40 overs was tough but once the ball softens it starts reversing and I knew that close to going three runs an over (Pakistan) needed to bat exceptionally well.”
Pakistan lost Abdullah Shafique on his overnight score of 27 and Azhar Ali for 17 before Lyon and Cummins destroyed them in the last two sessions.
Australia are in Pakistan for the first time since 1998, having previously refused to tour over security fears.
Security in Pakistan has improved dramatically over the past few years, the country making a slow return to hosting international cricket.
Player of the series Usman Khawaja, who was born in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad before migrating with his parents to Australia as a four-year-old, said the team had had a lot of fun on the tour.
“I just want to thank Pakistan and the fans. We’ve had a great time. Everyone has been really welcoming. To win this game is the icing on the cake,” said Khawaja, who scored 496 in the series with two hundreds and as many fifties.
An upset Pakistan captain Babar Azam refused to accept his team lost because of a defensive mindset.
“Our strategy was as per the situation of the match. We played the first session well but our two wickets were soft dismissals and that hurt us,” he said.
For Pakistan, Imam-ul-Haq scored 70 and Azam managed 55.
“We showed intent to chase down the target. This is not correct to say that we played defensively. We fought well but in the end Australia proved to be the better side,” Azam added.
Pakistan will now play three one-day internationals and a T20I against Australia — all in Lahore.
The first ODI is on Tuesday.
Man of the match Cummins ‘elated’ at historic Pakistan win
https://arab.news/5qjbd
Man of the match Cummins ‘elated’ at historic Pakistan win
- Australia arrived on the back of a 4-0 Ashes win over England in January
- The side capped three-Test series with 115-run win in final match in Lahore
Smash GC announces 2026 LIV Golf roster as Harold Varner III joins lineup
- Talor Gooch-led team returns with lineup built for depth and competitiveness as LIV Golf kicks off new season in Riyadh
NEW YORK: Smash GC of the LIV Golf League today announced its official roster for the 2026 season with the addition of Harold Varner III. Varner joins newly minted captain Talor Gooch and returning veterans Jason Kokrak and Graeme McDowell.
The team blends winning pedigree, global experience and a competitive edge, reinforcing the team’s identity as one of LIV Golf’s most battle-tested lineups.
Varner, who made his LIV Golf debut in 2022, brings a mix of global experience and personal drive. He earned his first LIV Golf individual win in 2023 at LIV Golf DC after sinking a hole-out from the bunker for a birdie mid-round to claim a one-stroke victory. He joins Smash GC after a steady performance in 2025 with 4Aces GC, when he finished in the top 10 four times.
“Smash GC is a team that competes with confidence and edge,” Varner said. “I’m excited to join a group that believes in what it’s building and is focused on winning. I’m ready to get to work and contribute meaningfully in 2026.”
Gooch will lead Smash GC in 2026 after being officially named captain last December. One of LIV Golf’s most accomplished and consistent performers, he brings a performance-driven mindset and a deep understanding of team competition. He reunites with Varner after the two played together with RangeGoats GC during 2023, which was both Gooch’s and Varner’s most successful LIV Golf season.
In addition to Varner’s DC win, Gooch won three tournaments and the season-long individual championship. Rounding out the 2026 roster are Kokrak, who has delivered key individual and team performances throughout his LIV Golf tenure, and McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion and longtime Ryder Cup standout who brought steady play to the 2025 season combined with his experience, leadership and competitive instincts.
“Adding Harold to Smash GC is a big move for us, and I couldn’t be more excited to reunite with him in 2026,” Gooch said. “He’s proven he can compete at the highest level and, as captain, I’m excited about how he strengthens our lineup and pushes our standards forward. We’re building a team that expects to contend every week, and Harold is a big part of that.”
Smash GC enters the new season following a 2025 campaign defined by resilience and competitiveness. With strong team performances and consistent individual contributions, the club laid a foundation it now aims to build upon under refreshed leadership and a reinforced roster.
