Off the cuff with Pat Cummins

That Pat Cummins clocks over 150 kph is no secret. But did you know that he loved Harry Potter, or that his first memory of cricket was jumping into the pool between overs in the summer, when younger? As the tenth edition of the Indian Premier League continues to rage on, so does our series of light-hearted conversations, revealing an under-the-wraps side to cricketers.

What's your favourite childhood memory of cricket?

Playing in summer in your shorts and diving in the pool in between overs or balls. Just spending hours and hours playing in the backyard with my brothers or mates and family.

You have two older brothers who you played cricket with. Is that why you became a bowler?

Yes, I think so. They always wanted to bat, not bowl. I tried to hurt them as a young kid, bowling as fast as I could.

What's the funniest prank you've been witness to?

Last Indian tour, Davey Warner put toothpaste on everyone's doors down the corridor. Hmmm... I'm trying to think of another. Another time I remember, Ricky Ponting put prawn sandwiches into Davey Warner's bag when he was flying home and he discovered them a couple of weeks later!

If you could have unlimited storage for something, what would it be?

Storage for something? Hmmm...Well, don't get the chance much because we're away so much, but speaking to Shane Watson, Brett Lee and a couple of those guys, they love their wine. They're trying to teach me a couple of things about wine. So I'd love an unlimited wine cellar.

First word that comes to your mind right now?

Lunch!

What's your go-to Karaoke song?

Maybe a Bruce Springsteen song

Do you read? If yes, what's your favourite book?

I used to read Harry Potter heaps. Love Harry Potter.

How about... your favourite movie?

Happy Gilmore and Step brothers.

What's the last lie you told someone?

The last lie I told someone... that I like dancing!

What animal would you choose to be, if you could?

Probably a lion... because they just laze around all day and no-one really bothers them. (Laughs)

Favourite cartoon character?

I used to watch the Simpsons a lot growing up, not sure about another...

Pet hates? Got any?

I do...let me think... Pet hate... traffic!

Speaking of 'pets', have any?

Had a couple of chickens... a cat at one stage.

What's the funniest incident on or off the field that you've been a part of?

Not sure.. it's always funny when someone trips over on the field in front of the camera but, nothing in particular.

A habit that nobody knows about?

I like to do crosswords. Not sure if it's a habit, but yeah.

What's the strangest thing you've ever eaten?

Crocodile

What's the most interesting thing in your wallet right now?

I don't know... not much. Some rupees.. Driving license, credit cards... Oh, maybe my room key.

Any tattoos?

No.

Who is Pat Cummins off the field?

Hopefully someone similar to Pat Cummins on the field. I think I'm fairly relaxed and easy-going. I'd like to think I don't get phased too much and just go with the flow.

Would that also be how you would describe yourself as a person?

I think so. But also, there's a bit of white line for me there. Like anyone, flick the switch. Don't want to be a pushover.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how cool do you think you are?

I think probably a 6, but everyone else probably thinks I'm about a 2! (Laughs)