Pat Cummins blows South Africa away with 6-28 in WTC final thriller

Australia captain Pat Cummins delivered a breathtaking bowling performance, claiming four wickets for just a solitary run, as the defending champions seized the upper hand on Day 2 of the ICC World Test Championship Final against South Africa at Lord’s on Thursday.

South Africa crumbled for just 138 in response to Australia’s modest first-innings total of 212, with Cummins ending the innings with superb figures of six for 28.

The 30-year-old pacer’s heroics not only dismantled the Proteas’ lower order but also saw him complete 300 Test scalps. South Africa’s collapse was swift and brutal, as they lost their last five wickets for a mere 12 runs. The sequence included a farcical run-out and a barrage of hostile pace that left their tailenders exposed and rattled. It was Cummins’ 14th five-wicket haul in 68 Tests and notably, his first at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

The only semblance of resistance came from skipper Temba Bavuma and middle-order batter David Bedingham, who combined for a 64-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Bavuma, who resumed the day on 3* off 37 deliveries, began to assert himself by unfurling a sublime lofted cover-drive for four off Mitchell Starc. He followed it up with a fierce pull for six off Cummins, showing signs of counterattack.

However, the Australian skipper had the final say. Bavuma’s controlled drive was intercepted by a stunning diving catch at cover from Marnus Labuschagne. Cummins’ breakthrough opened the floodgates for Australia.

Just before the lunch interval, Bedingham cracked two boundaries in three balls off Beau Webster to push South Africa to 121 for 5. But any hopes of a late revival were quickly extinguished after the break. Cummins tore through the middle and lower order with venomous pace, removing Kyle Verreynne leg-before for 13 and then grabbing a sharp return catch to dismiss Marco Jansen for a duck in the same over. At that point, South Africa had nosedived to 126 for 7.

He soon accounted for Bedingham, who edged behind after a gritty 111-ball stay. Keshav Maharaj was run out in comical fashion, further denting South Africa’s chances. Cummins wasn’t done yet—he peppered Kagiso Rabada with bouncers, striking him on the arm and helmet, before claiming his 300th wicket as Rabada miscued a pull to deep square leg, where Webster completed a low catch.

Rabada’s earlier 5 for 51 had offered South Africa hope, but Cummins’ ruthless spell eclipsed that effort, putting Australia firmly in command of the final.

(With AFP inputs)

This article first appeared on Mid Day