Pat Cummins reflected on Australia’s two-year WTC cycle after his team were unable to get over the line against South Africa at Lord’s.
Australia Fall Short as South Africa End ICC Title Drought in Thrilling WTC Final
Australia suffered a rare defeat in an ICC final — an unfamiliar outcome for a side synonymous with success on the global stage. In the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, South Africa rose to the occasion, delivering clutch performances to end a 27-year ICC trophy drought and claim the Test Mace. Despite being the most dominant Test side over the last WTC cycle, Australia couldn’t defend their crown, falling to a determined Proteas unit led by Aiden Markram’s sublime century and Kagiso Rabada’s match haul of 9 wickets.
Australian skipper Pat Cummins, though visibly disappointed, maintained grace and composure in his post-match comments. “This is the pinnacle, I love Test cricket. Huge achievement to make the final. One-game shootout is a spectacle — didn’t end up on the right side but it’s been a great week,” he said. While Australia triumphed over India in the 2023 WTC Final, they found themselves outclassed this time by a South African side that peaked when it mattered most. The result marked a turning point for South African cricket and a rare missed opportunity for the Australians in a high-stakes ICC finale.
Pat Cummins credits Markram-Bavuma partnership
Pat Cummins lauded Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma for their gritty performances, especially Bavuma’s courage batting through a strained hamstring. “Aiden and Temba didn’t give us a chance. South Africa showed why they’re deserved winners, staying in the game throughout,” Cummins said. However, he pinpointed Australia’s third innings batting as the critical area where they fell short.
“We didn’t bat out the opposition after a decent first-innings lead. If Smudge (Steven Smith) had batted longer in better conditions, things could have been different,” Pat Cummins reflected. He also acknowledged his team’s strong bowling effort, highlighting his own five-wicket haul and Nathan Lyon’s consistent but wicketless spells.
“Our bowlers performed well over the past two years. Lyon bowled particularly well, but just didn’t get a wicket,” he added.
Looking ahead, Australia will head to the West Indies for a three-match Test series starting later this month, marking the beginning of their next World Test Championship cycle and an attempt to secure a third consecutive final appearance.
