Cummins happy as first change in World Cup

Pat Cummins is happy to keep taking a slightly older ball for Australia at the World Cup if it means they continue to be the most lethal attack in the tournament.

The team's No.1 quick headed into the competition, Cummins has played a different role against England and New Zealand by bowling first change.

Australia's bowlers have taken the most wickets of any team, having rolled through both the hosts and Black Caps with left-armers Mitchell Starc and Jason Behrendorff opening.

Australia's preference for short, sharp spells means Cummins has been on by the eighth over in both matches, but he said even by then it was a different game.

"I think it's massive change," Cummins said.

"It's a lot different to say red-ball cricket where the ball kind of stays hard and there might be some swing on offer.

"Outside of those first eight to 10 overs, there is no swing, the ball is not as hard. Normally the batters are set. I think it's a bit of a different game.

"It's such a tough role to play. I am really happy with how it's going at the moment."

Cummins' move is as much about the role of Behrendorff than anything else.

Behrendorff is a noted new-ball bowler, having bowled seven overs in the opening 20 against England and nine in the same passage in the New Zealand clash.

Cummins, meanwhile, had opened in his last 11 matches, after claiming the new ball on a regular basis in India earlier this year as Australia looked to strike early.

"I have been really happy, to be honest," Cummins said.

"My role is to just try and hold them a little bit and hopefully they take a risk. I feet like I have done that job pretty well."

Australia's bowlers have ran through the majority of sides in the World Cup, having claimed 72 of a possible 80 wickets.

That figure is five more than the next closest in England, with only three teams having managed to bat out their overs against the Aussies.

In turn, Australia's bowlers averaging are now averaging a wicket once every five overs.

"We have bowled really well together," Cummins said.

"And, obviously, (Nathan) Coulter-Nile and Zamps (Adam Zampa) and Richo (Kane Richardson) have done great work when they have come in."