Pat Cummins is on the verge of a significant achievement as he approaches the 300-wicket mark in Test cricket, needing just six more wickets to join an exclusive group of only eight Australian bowlers who have reached this milestone. This opportunity comes during the World Test Championship final against South Africa, making it a pivotal moment for the 32-year-old fast bowler, particularly given his history of injuries that kept him out of the game for substantial periods earlier in his career.
In an interview with Nine’s Today show, Cummins expressed his desire to reach this milestone yet emphasized that his primary focus is on winning the match. He stated, "I hope so, I think I’ve only got five or six to go, so that would be nice – but as long as we win, I don’t really care." He noted that accumulating wickets isn’t his main concern as a fast bowler; instead, he values his longevity in the sport more.
As Australia gears up to defend their WTC title, they are considered strong favourites, but Cummins acknowledged the potential lack of home crowd support, noting, "I feel like any English fans that turn up will be going for South Africa." However, he also mentioned the presence of many Australian supporters in London, indicating a lively atmosphere for the match.
The World Test Championship final is set to commence on Wednesday, June 11, with play starting daily at 7:30 PM AEST. Fans can catch the game exclusively on Amazon Prime. This year’s final will take place at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
The squads for both teams have been confirmed, with Australia captained by Cummins and including key players like Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc. South Africa’s squad is led by Temba Bavuma and features notable names like Kagiso Rabada.
In terms of financial stakes, the 2023 World Test Championship final offers substantial prize money. The victorious team will earn AUD 5.6 million, more than double the amount awarded to Australia during their last triumph. The runners-up will also see an increase, receiving AUD 3.2 million.
In the event of a drawn match, both Australia and South Africa would share the trophy, although a reserve day has been scheduled to minimise the chance of a stalemate due to adverse weather conditions. This adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming contest, heightening anticipation for a thrilling showdown at Lord’s.