PAT CUMMINS: 'THE LIFE LESSON I TOOK TO THE ASHES'

A trip to a remote Aussie town inspired the cricket captain to change his game plan

Sat in the red dust of Borroloola, a small town near the Northern Territory coastline, Pat Cummins learned a vital lesson in life - and one he vowed to take to the Ashes.

Before flying to the UK last month, the Australian men's skipper spent three days in the remote fishing community, chatting with Elders, playing sports with children and learning about the challenges faced by living in one of Australia's most remote and flood-prone areas.

"This is what playing for Australia is really about. It is representing all of us as best we can," Pat, 30, wrote in an op-ed for Code Sports.

"They are experiences I'll carry to the Ashes in England and for the rest of my life. They have redefined for me what it means to play for Australia"