WTC Final: Pat Cummins’ Sensational Fifer Crushes South Africa, Surpasses Indian Legend
In a breathtaking display of pace bowling, Australia’s captain Pat Cummins dismantled South Africa with a sensational 6 for 28 in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. His fiery spell on Day 2 not only tilted the match heavily in Australia’s favor but also etched his name in history as he surpassed Indian spin legend Bishan Singh Bedi on an elite list of Test captains with the most five-wicket hauls.
Cummins, leading from the front, claimed his 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket and matched Australian icon Richie Benaud with nine five-fors as captain, placing him second only behind Pakistan’s legendary Imran Khan (12). His milestone moment came with his 300th Test wicket, a fitting cap to a day where he single-handedly ripped through South Africa’s batting lineup, bowling them out for a paltry 138 in response to Australia’s first-innings total of 212.
The Proteas began Day 2 with cautious optimism, but Cummins had other plans. After snaring two early wickets in the morning session, he unleashed a devastating burst post-lunch, claiming four wickets for just one run in 17 balls. South Africa’s middle order was left shell-shocked as key batsmen like Kyle Verreynne (lbw) and Marco Jansen (duck) fell in quick succession. The resistance from Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham, who stitched together a gritty 64-run partnership for the fifth wicket, was snuffed out when Bavuma’s stylish innings—featuring a towering six off Cummins and a lofted drive off Mitchell Starc—ended with a diving catch by Marnus Labuschagne at cover.
Bedingham fought valiantly for his 111-ball stay at the crease, but Cummins’ unrelenting accuracy induced an edge to wicketkeeper Alex Carey, breaking South Africa’s last hope. The tail folded swiftly, with a comical run-out of Keshav Maharaj adding to their misery. Cummins sealed the innings with the scalp of Kagiso Rabada, caught at deep square leg by debutant Beau Webster, marking his historic 300th Test wicket.
This performance wasn’t just about numbers; it was a statement of intent from a captain whose leadership is as fierce as his bowling. Cummins, often hailed as one of the finest fast bowlers of his generation, has now cemented his legacy among the game’s greatest leaders. With Australia holding a significant lead, South Africa faces an uphill battle to salvage the WTC Final. As the match progresses, all eyes will be on whether Cummins and his team can capitalize on this dominant position to clinch the coveted title.