Pat Cummins will captain Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final against South Africa. Australia and South Africa are set to face off in the WTC final starting June 11 at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. Australia enters the match as the defending champions, having claimed the title by defeating India in the previous final in 2023.
Cummins, leading Australia for the 34th time in his 68th Test match, combines a rugged, charismatic presence with the determination that has established him as a top leader. The fast bowler currently ranks at the top of international cricket.
Under his captaincy over the past three and a half years, Australia has achieved almost everything, and they are strong favorites to retain their Test championship.
ICC WTC 2023-25: When asked about the Australian team’s tactics involving sledging Kagiso Rabada, South Africa’s leading fast bowler, Cummins acknowledged the intense rivalry. Rabada has consistently been a thorn in Australia’s side in past encounters, and the Australians are well-known for their psychological games on the field.
“Not really our style” – Pat Cummins says he’d be surprised if Australians sledged Kagiso Rabada
The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final begins on Wednesday, June 11, at Lord’s. Australia captain Pat Cummins has expressed that he would be “surprised” if his team sledged South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, especially following Rabada’s recent one-month doping ban.
Rabada tested positive for cocaine, a recreational hard substance, during the 2025 Indian Premier League, which led to his suspension. ICC WTC 2023-25: After consuming the substance in South Africa, he returned home amid the IPL season and issued a public apology, emphasizing his commitment to setting a good example.
Although Rabada returned to India for a few matches, the ICC WTC final will mark his first appearance for South Africa since the incident.
“It’s not really our style. I’d be surprised if that came up,” Cummins told The Guardian when asked whether his team would sledge the South African pacer.
Since the infamous sandpaper ball incident against South Africa in 2018, Australia has moderated its traditionally aggressive cricket style. Cummins, who is also a New Balance ambassador, exemplifies this improved image.
