Australian captain Pat Cummins delivered a performance for the ages on Day 2 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord’s Cricket Ground. On June 12, 2025, Pat Cummins spearheaded Australia’s bowling attack with figures of 6/28, bowling out South Africa for 138 runs in 57.1 overs. This remarkable spell not only secured a 74-run first-innings lead for Australia but also saw Cummins reach the coveted milestone of 300 Test wickets, cementing his legacy as one of Australia’s cricketing greats.
A Masterclass in Fast Bowling
The second day of the WTC Final began with South Africa at 106/3, looking to build a competitive total. However, Cummins had other plans. His relentless pace, combined with pinpoint accuracy, tore through the South African middle and lower order. Key dismissals included Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, and Kagiso Rabada, with each wicket showcasing Cummins’ ability to exploit the conditions at Lord’s. His spell of 6/28 was instrumental in restricting South Africa to a modest 138, giving Australia a significant advantage.
Cummins’ performance was particularly dominant after the lunch break, where he capitalized on the softening ball that still offered occasional movement. “When the ball is soft, it’s easier to bat, but it still feels like the odd ball is nipping,” Cummins noted post-match, crediting his team’s disciplined bowling effort.
Reaching 300 Test Wickets
Pat Cummins’ sixth wicket, that of Kagiso Rabada, marked a personal milestone as he became the eighth Australian bowler to reach 300 wickets in Test cricket. Achieving this in just 68 matches, Pat Cummins is among the fastest Australian pacers to reach the landmark, joining legends like Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Nathan Lyon, and Mitchell Starc. This was also his 14th five-wicket haul in Tests, a testament to his consistency.
Australia captain Pat Cummins opens up on a breathtaking display and a special milestone during the #WTC25 Final 🗣️https://t.co/pEqXkwiSe0
— ICC (@ICC) June 12, 2025
Reflecting on the milestone, Pat Cummins expressed gratitude: “It’s way more than I could have asked for. For any fast bowler, 300 is a big number, niggles, injuries, and played for a long time, so pretty happy”. He also praised his medical team for managing his fitness, stating, “I feel like I’ve got lots of miles in my legs. I hope it doesn’t end soon”.
Shattering Records at Lord’s
Pat Cummins’ 6/28 surpassed a 33-year-old record set by England’s Bob Willis, who took 6/101 against India at Lord’s in 1982, for the best bowling figures by a captain at the venue. This achievement highlighted Cummins’ ability to lead from the front in one of cricket’s most prestigious arenas. Furthermore, he became the only captain to claim a five-wicket haul in both an ICC tournament knockout and final, with a total of 15 wickets in such matches under his leadership.
In the broader context of the WTC 2023-25 cycle, Cummins emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 78 wickets, overtaking India’s Jasprit Bumrah (77 wickets). His six wickets in the WTC Final also made him the leading wicket-taker in ICC tournament finals, surpassing Mitchell Starc’s 11 wickets.
Impact on the WTC Final
Cummins’ spell was a game-changer. South Africa’s collapse from a promising position handed Australia a 74-run lead, a psychological and strategic advantage. His captaincy complemented his bowling, with astute field placements and bowling changes keeping the pressure on the South African batsmen. As a captain, Cummins equalled Richie Benaud’s record of nine Test five-wicket hauls, trailing only Imran Khan’s 12.
The lead provided Australia with a platform to dominate the match, with Cummins’ performance setting the tone for their campaign to secure the WTC title. His ability to perform under pressure was evident, as he noted the presence of family in the stands added a personal touch to the day: “It’s great, got some family as well here, which is nice”.
Looking Forward
Cummins’ performance has positioned Australia favorably in the WTC Final, with the team looking to build on their lead in the subsequent days. His leadership, both with the ball and as captain, will be pivotal as Australia aims to clinch the championship. Fans and analysts alike are lauding Cummins’ ability to deliver in critical moments, with his 300-wicket milestone and record-breaking spell at Lord’s marking him as one of the modern game’s greats.
As the match progresses, Cummins’ hunger for more wickets and his optimism about his career longevity suggest that this is just one of many memorable performances to come. “Pretty happy to have a decent lead at the moment,” he said, signaling his focus on guiding Australia to victory.
Also Read: ICC WTC 2023-25: South Africa’s Topsy-Turvy Performance With Ball