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Cummins keeps his focus on the future

Young Aussie speedster has no regrets about career path with World Cup win under his belt and eyes on Ireland tonight

Despite myriad injury setbacks, a lack of first-class cricket and missed selection, Pat Cummins says he would not change a thing in the time since bursting onto the Test scene in 2011.

Cummins was the talk of the cricket world when he starred on debut as an 18-year-old against South Africa in November 2011.

The express fast bowler claimed six second innings wickets and hit the winning runs at The Wanderers in a man-of-the-match performance in his maiden Test.

He has not worn the Baggy Green since.

In the four years since that memorable debut, Cummins, now 22, has played only four more first-class games, due mainly to injuries to his back and foot and Cricket Australia's management of the tearaway that saw him focus on limited-overs cricket.

The move worked as Cummins helped Australia claim their fifth World Cup title in March this year.

Ahead of tonight's one-off one-day international against Ireland in Belfast, Cummins looked back on his stuttering yet spectacular young career.

LIVE COVERAGE: Ireland v Australia

"The schedule the last four years has been a bit out of my hands in terms of injuries and the World Cup last year was certainly what I prepared for," Cummins said.

"I'm not sure (if I would change anything).

Image Id: ~/media/7C5F3F76E94443FB94FD2ACC7BFAB6A3

Cummins and Mitch Marsh lift the World Cup // Getty

"I would've loved to have played a bit more red-ball, whether it was just second XI cricket or four days, but looking back the schedule probably didn't allow it.

"A lot of the time when I was flying it was the off-season. I don't think (I would change anything), not really."

Cummins says it had taken time for his developing body to adapt to the rigours of fast bowling which sees him injury free heading into the limited-over leg of Australia's Qantas Tour of the British Isles.

"I think I probably didn't realise a couple of years ago but now I'm actually a couple of years older I do feel like I've filled out my body a bit more," Cummins said.

"Just from growing up and being a couple of years older, not necessarily through a heap of gym or anything like that.

"(I) just feel older and stronger and it does make a lot of sense I guess why young guys get injuries because I do feel a lot more resilient after a couple more years."

Now Cummins heads into the Ireland match fully fit and as a first-choice fast bowler in the new era of Australian one-day cricket under captain Steve Smith.

"(I'm) 100 per cent confident and don't have any niggles, (which has) been good," Cummins said.

"Last 18 months really and I haven't played a lot of red ball but I've played a lot of white ball.

"(I've) bowled a lot of overs in the last couple of years and really happy with how my form is and especially the body."