Pat Cummins delivered a masterclass at Lord’s on Day Two of the World Test Championship (WTC) final, dismantling South Africa’s batting lineup with a ruthless spell that yielded 6 for 28 and pushed Australia into a commanding position.
The Proteas, who resumed at 43 for 4 in reply to Australia’s 212, were bundled out for just 138 as Cummins single-handedly wrecked their resistance. The rapid collapse handed Australia a 74-run first-innings lead and a strong upper hand in a match that is tilting increasingly in their favour.
Record-Breaking Spell from the Captain
Cummins claimed all six wickets that fell on the day, and only a 64-run partnership between Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham offered brief resistance. The innings folded when Kagiso Rabada lofted a catch to Beau Webster at deep square leg, sparking a roar from the crowd that was equal parts celebration and relief.
That dismissal was particularly meaningful—it brought Cummins his 300th Test wicket, placing him among just eight Australians to reach the milestone. More history followed as he posted the best bowling figures by a captain at Lord’s, surpassing Bob Willis’s 6 for 101 in 1982.
He also etched his name into ICC history books as the first captain ever to claim a five-wicket haul in the final of an ICC tournament—an achievement 148 years in the making.
A Moment for the Ages at the Home of Cricket
Speaking after the spell, Cummins reflected on the personal significance of performing at Lord’s with family members in attendance. “Being here with relatives watching from the stands made it extra special,” he said. The slim but vital lead his bowlers had carved out added to the emotional resonance of the moment.
The crowd, reminiscent of the spirited scenes during the 2023 Ashes, burst into spontaneous applause at the end of Cummins’ spell— a marked contrast from the jeers of that controversial stumping a year prior.
Australia Edges Ahead, but South Africa Still Fighting
As the sun set on a day dominated by the Australian skipper, Cummins had firmly swung momentum back toward his side. However, Rabada’s fiery burst with the ball in the closing session served as a reminder that South Africa remains in contention.
With the contest delicately poised, Day Three promises more drama as Australia looks to consolidate and South Africa hunts for a comeback.
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