Australian cricketer Darren Berry claims Pat Cummins will step down as captain after the Ashes as he criticizes the tourists’ ‘unwatchable’ play in the fourth Test

Former Victorian cricket captain and sports commentator Darren Berry has sent the Twitter world into a frenzy with an outrageous claim that Australian Test captain Pat Cummins is about to step down from his post.

His tweet came as he launched a series of scathing attacks on the tourists’ bowling attack, which struggled as England hit a first innings total of 592 on day three of the fourth Test at Old Trafford.

Berry tweeted Australian fast bowling legend Merv Hughes, saying: “Here’s my take: Pat Cummins is undoubtedly a great cricketer but bear in mind this news.” He will step down from his captaincy after the Ashes series. The question is: are they going back to Smudge, or are they going on to Head or Marsh? Ashton Turner T20.’

Prominent broadcaster Jim Wilson replied, “I think it’s time to move on.” Come see me and let Cummins get back to what he does best. Tactically this has been a horror show for us, thanks entirely to England, and we don’t deserve to be saved by Mother Nature!’

Under fire, Pat Cummins was attacked by many on social media after his tactical errors in the fourth Test, with Victorian captain Darren Berry sensationally claiming the Australia captain would be stepping down

Berry (pictured) has caused a stir on social media with his fierce attack on the captain and Australia’s disastrous game at Old Trafford

Berry had previously tweeted: “Not to watch.” Good night to all lovers of our great game of cricket. This is absolutely insane for anyone watching this with even the slightest clue about the game. “Enough is enough now keep it up guys WTF.”

At Stumps, the Australians went down 4:113, 162 runs behind the home side and praying the predicted rain would save them from a humiliating defeat.

There was debate as to which member of the Australia team would make a better captain should Berry’s prediction come true.

Former skipper Steve Smith had fans and detractors, while Travis Head and Pat Carey were also considered viable candidates.

One fan wrote, “Cummins should focus on his bowling and leave the captaincy to someone else.” “His fieldings and that short pitch stink of someone clueless.”

Another added: “Are you on the side of the ECB?” [English Cricket Board] to make sure it goes to a fifth test decider? “It’s hard to imagine how professional players can come up with such inappropriate strategies.”

Merv Hughes, a major tweeter, succinctly replied to Berry, “I thought you were going to bed.”

Berry’s tweet sparked speculation among cricket fans about which member of Australia’s team could replace Cummins

Australian superstar and fellow fast bowler Merv Hughes interacted with Berry on Twitter as they both watched the tourists in Manchester take a hit

Berry returned the serve for Merv: “I’m lying in bed watching this but I can’t sleep.”

Berry’s attack primarily follows the tactics of the Australian bowlers, then the batter, but also the field placements.

Many fans claim Cummins has no intention of tackling England’s aggressive “Bazball” style of play.

One wrote: “Surely the manager has some influence on this crap too?” I’ve never seen an Australian team play like that, even if [Michael] Clarke was captain and he didn’t have cattle, he had a cracker.’

“The bowling and fielding tactics absolutely sucked. “I hope the rain comes but they don’t deserve to be saved by this,” tweeted another.

One frustrated fan had a problem with Berry’s reasoning: “It’s funny to see ex-cricketers say that.” But I swear since I’ve watched, including the Darren Berry or Ricky Ponting era, that pace bowlers and captains continue to make short bowling shots to outpace Enders, even when they’re not working. It’s like they all forgot they did the same thing.’

Day five play resumes at 20:00 AEST.