Pat Cummins Shines with 300th Wicket as Australia Hold Edge in WTC Final vs South Africa
In a thrilling encounter at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, Australia captain Pat Cummins etched his name in history by claiming his 300th Test wicket on Day 2 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa on June 13, 2025. Under overcast skies and on a challenging pitch, Cummins led from the front with a breathtaking spell of 6-28, guiding Australia to a commanding position with a lead of 218 runs at stumps, sitting at 144-8 in their second innings.
The match has been a bowler’s paradise so far, with a staggering 28 wickets tumbling over the first two days. South Africa were bundled out for just 138 in their first innings, handing Australia a handy 74-run lead. Cummins, celebrating his 68th Test, became only the eighth Australian to reach the 300-wicket milestone, doing so at an impressive average of 22.08. Reflecting on his achievement, Cummins said, ‘There’s not too many on that list. It’s a sign of durability and longevity, something I’ve always dreamed of.’
Australia’s dominance was further solidified by a gritty 61-run partnership between wicketkeeper Alex Carey (43) and tail-ender Mitchell Starc (16 not out) for the eighth wicket. This stand provided a much-needed cushion on a pitch where batting has been a treacherous task. Cummins acknowledged the team’s spirit, stating, ‘The mood in the changing room is pretty positive. That partnership was a great way to end the day.’ He also described the match as finely poised, adding, ‘After two days, it’s pretty close to 50-50. It’s a brilliant Test match so far.’
The pitch at Lord’s has been a major talking point, offering seam movement and variable bounce, making life difficult for batsmen from both sides. Cummins attributed the rapid fall of wickets to disciplined bowling, saying, ‘Both teams have bowled really well. There haven’t been many loose deliveries or half-volleys.’ He also hinted at the challenges ahead, noting, ‘Runs are hard to come by, and it’s still pretty tricky out there. We’ll need to bowl well tomorrow.’
For South Africa, David Bedingham emerged as the top scorer with a defiant 45, but even he admitted the conditions favored bowlers. ‘It’s a tricky pitch, and when you have six quality seamers on either side, batting becomes tough,’ Bedingham said. Despite the daunting lead, South Africa remain optimistic about their chances of chasing down the target in what could be their first major global title in 28 years. Bedingham added, ‘It’s an amazing opportunity, and there’s a lot of belief in our camp. The pitch might be slowing down, and hopefully, we can get those runs in the fourth innings.’
As Day 3 looms, all eyes will be on whether South Africa’s pace attack, led by the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, can wrap up Australia’s tail quickly or if Starc and company can push the lead beyond 250. With history on the line for both teams, this WTC Final promises more drama and excitement. Can Cummins inspire Australia to yet another title, or will South Africa stage a remarkable comeback? Only time will tell in this battle of grit and skill.