"There's just not many better in the world": Ferguson full of praise for record-breaker Cummins
Sydney Thunder captain Callum Ferguson has praised Pat Cummins following his record-breaking Indian Premier League pay-day.
The Kolkata Knight Riders paid $3.17 million for the services of Cummins this IPL season, eclipsing the previous overseas player record fee of $3 million the Rajasthan Royals paid for English all-rounder Ben Stokes in 2017.
Ferguson told SEN SA Breakfast that there’s no more deserving player in world cricket than the 26-year old.
“Having played with him at the Thunder, you just can’t help but be really impressed with the man,” he said.
“He’s just such a professional. If you were going to spend that much money on a cricketer, then Pat Cummins is one of those guys you’d be more comfortable with.
“You’re just getting such a quality human being and a competitor out on the cricket field. There’s just not many better in the world.”
South Australian native Ferguson was also full of praise for Sydney Thunder teammate Usman Khawaja.
Khawaja has experienced a tough 2019, having lost his place in the Australian test and one-day outfits.
Ferguson is hopeful Khawaja’s form will see him back in the green and gold sooner rather than later.
“Uzzie’s been able to get plenty of time in the middle for Queensland and that’s what’s led him to be in such good form,” he said.
“He’s been very good for a long, long time in this format, he just hasn’t played a lot for the Thunder.
“This year on the back of a pretty disappointing selection for him from a test and one day point of view, he’s going to get an extended run with us.
“We’re really hopeful we’re going to be able to help him back to where he wants to be and that’s in the green and gold.”
The Thunder are on top of the BBL table early with two wins from two matches and travel to Canberra to face the Adelaide Strikers on Saturday.
Ferguson says coming up against his home state’s team with be a challenge.
“It’s nice to get a couple of wins on the board early in the tournament,” he said.
“They’re always a highly talented line-up and their bowling has always been their strength.
“We know we’re coming up against a well-organised side. It’ll be a hell of a challenge for us.”
Big Bash Nation will broadcast the clash on SEN 1116 and SEN SA.