Pat Cummins, Australia’s Test captain and pace spearhead, delivered one of the most memorable performances of his career during the World Test Championship 2025 Final at Lord’s, and the man himself acknowledged both the personal and team significance of the moment. In a match marked by dramatic turns and gripping momentum swings, Cummins stood tall, producing a spellbinding display of fast bowling that not only put Australia in control but also saw him achieve a major individual milestone.
Speaking after the day’s play, Cummins described the experience as “breathtaking,” particularly under the weight of expectations that come with leading Australia in a world final. He claimed six wickets for just 28 runs in South Africa’s first innings, dismantling their top and middle order with seam, swing, and relentless accuracy. The performance, as Cummins put it, was not just about numbers but about stepping up for the team when it mattered the most.
“I just felt in rhythm right from the start,” Cummins said. “Sometimes the ball just talks more in these conditions, and today was one of those days. Every time I ran in, I felt like something was going to happen.”
His six-wicket haul wasn’t just a match-defining effort—it was historic. With those six scalps, Cummins became the first bowler to take a five-wicket haul in a World Test Championship Final, stamping his name in the annals of Test cricket history. Furthermore, the spell elevated him past one of India’s legendary bowlers in the all-time wicket-takers list, underlining his continued dominance across formats.
For Cummins, though, it wasn’t just about the personal accolades. He repeatedly emphasized the collective effort and the importance of capitalizing on the opportunity to bring another global title to Australia. “It’s a special moment, sure, but more than that, I’m proud of how the team responded. The bowlers hit the right lengths, the fielders backed us up, and the energy was just incredible,” he noted.
Australia’s strategy was clear from the start: put runs on the board and then use the overcast English conditions to unleash their pace battery. Cummins led the attack with venom, removing South Africa’s top three within the first session and returning to wipe out the tail. His ability to maintain pressure from one end allowed the likes of Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon to work in tandem and keep South Africa pinned down.
This performance also comes at a time when Cummins’ captaincy has been increasingly scrutinized, especially after a mixed run across formats. But his calm demeanor and fearless approach on the field during this final have once again demonstrated his leadership pedigree. He rotated his bowlers astutely, kept aggressive fields, and maintained a positive body language that reflected a sense of control.
As the final continues to unfold, Cummins’ brilliance with the ball has already set the tone for Australia. Whether or not they lift the WTC mace again, his spell at Lord’s will be remembered as one of the great performances in a world final. For Cummins personally, it was a moment of pride—an exhibition of pace mastery on cricket’s grandest Test stage.