WTC Final: Pat Cummins Rates 2023 World Cup Triumph Above Two Maces
In the world of cricket, few achievements can rival the thrill of lifting a World Cup trophy, and for Australian captain Pat Cummins, the 2023 ODI World Cup victory against India stands as the pinnacle of his illustrious career. As Australia gears up to face South Africa in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final on June 11, 2025, at Lord’s, Cummins took a moment to reflect on his team’s extraordinary journey over the past four years and what winning a second WTC title would mean in the grand scheme of his legacy.
Cummins, who has led Australia to unparalleled heights since taking over the captaincy in late 2021, shared his thoughts in a candid press conference. ‘The ODI World Cup of 2023 is going to be hard to top; that’s number one for me. Holding two WTC maces would be a really significant achievement to showcase our dominance across all conditions over an extended period. It’s a great marker for now and for the future, but that World Cup triumph in Ahmedabad remains unmatched,’ he said, referencing Australia’s sixth ODI World Cup title, a stunning six-wicket win over hosts India in front of a record 92,453 fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Australia’s journey to the WTC Final has been nothing short of remarkable. Since the last WTC cycle, they have remained a formidable force in Test cricket, clinching their maiden WTC title in 2023 with a commanding 209-run victory over India at The Oval. Under Cummins’ leadership, the team has maintained an unbeaten Test series record over the past two years, with victories in challenging conditions in New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and at home against Pakistan and India. They also retained the Ashes in England in 2023 with a hard-fought 2-2 draw and managed a gritty draw against the West Indies, showcasing their adaptability and depth.
Reflecting on the challenges of the longer format, Cummins emphasized the prestige of the WTC. ‘I believe the WTC mace holds immense value, just a notch below the World Cup. It’s a testament to sustained excellence because you’re up against every other team in the world over a two-year cycle. To make the final and win it means you’ve been the best for a significant period,’ he explained. A second WTC title would solidify Australia’s status as the dominant Test team of this era, a feat achieved by only a handful of sides in cricket history.
One of the key factors behind Australia’s success, according to Cummins, is the collective effort of the squad and support staff. ‘It truly takes an army. We’ve had over 15 players contribute in this cycle, alongside a dedicated staff working tirelessly. You need versatility to tackle different conditions, manage injuries, and integrate new talent. I’m thrilled we’ve had several debutants who’ve stepped up and made their mark,’ he noted. Players like Steve Smith, Travis Head, and rising stars such as Cameron Green have been instrumental in maintaining Australia’s high standards.
Cummins also reminisced about some unforgettable moments from their recent campaigns. ‘The Christchurch Test against New Zealand in 2024 sticks out—Alex Carey’s 98 not out was a game-changer when we had no right to win. And last summer at the MCG, we pulled off an incredible victory late on day five against Pakistan. When the pressure is on, there’s a real hunger in this team to stand up, and an unwavering trust that someone will deliver,’ he recalled, highlighting the team’s resilience in clutch situations.
As the WTC Final looms, Cummins and his team face a formidable South African side, led by Temba Bavuma, who have shown their mettle with disciplined bowling and gritty batting in their journey to the final. With pace spearheads like Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, the Proteas will test Australia’s batting lineup on the iconic Lord’s pitch, known for its unpredictable bounce and swing-friendly conditions in June.
Yet, for Cummins, the bigger picture transcends just another trophy. It’s about cementing a legacy of excellence and inspiring the next generation of Australian cricketers. While a second WTC mace would be a historic achievement—marking Australia as only the second team after New Zealand to win multiple titles in the competition’s short history—it’s clear that the 2023 World Cup triumph holds a special place in his heart. As he leads his team into battle once more, fans across the globe will be watching to see if Cummins can add another chapter to an already storied career.