Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, has become the eighth Australian bowler to reach the milestone of 300 Test wickets. His remarkable performance of 6 for 28, which are the best figures by a Test captain at Lord’s, took centre stage during the second day of the World Test Championship final against South Africa.
This achievement also marked a historic moment for the Australian attack, with Cummins joining teammates Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon in the exclusive club of holding 300 or more Test wickets concurrently. Josh Hazlewood is not far behind, with 280 wickets to his name.
“It’s great, and I’ve got some family here which is nice,” Cummins said during the innings break, reflecting on his achievements. “For any fast bowler, 300 is a big number. It means you’ve battled a few injuries and niggles, got through it, and played well in different conditions.”
Cummins began his spell by taking out Wiaan Mulder the evening before, then claimed five wickets on the second day. These included key dismissals such as Temba Bavuma, caught at cover, and Kyle Verreynne, dismissed lbw after a mid-pitch collision. His mastery continued post-lunch with a spell that ended 4.1-4-4, concluding with Marco Jansen’s leading edge and David Bedingham’s outside edge. Kagiso Rabada was finally caught deep at square leg, marking Cummins’ 300th Test wicket.
“Even when the ball got a bit softer, it still nipped a bit,” Cummins noted regarding the conditions, speaking on how he adapted during the innings.
Cummins now holds the fourth-best strike rate for bowlers with over 300 Test wickets, trailing behind Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, and Waqar Younis. His WTC cycle boasts 79 wickets at an impressive average of 23.03.
Andrew McGlashan
Deputy Editor, ESPNcricinfo
