'It's pretty close to 50-50': Pat Cummins reflects on Australia's position after WTC Final Day 2 vs South Africa
Pat Cummins of Australia with team mates Nathan Lyon and Beau Webster (Photo by)
Australia captain
Pat Cummins
reached the milestone of 300 Test wickets while leading his team to a commanding position in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's on June 13, 2025.
After two days of play, Australia reached 144-8 in their second innings, establishing a lead of 218 runs with two wickets remaining.
A total of 28 wickets fell across the first two days as both teams' batsmen struggled for runs on a challenging pitch.
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Cummins delivered an outstanding bowling performance, taking 6-28 on the second day to help dismiss South Africa for 138 runs, giving Australia a first-innings lead of 74 runs.
Pat Cummins on WTC Final: 'Cameron Green deserves a spot in the lineup'
An eighth-wicket partnership of 61 between
Alex Carey
(43) and
Mitchell Starc
(16 not out) strengthened Australia's position at stumps.
"It's set up pretty well. The mood in the changing room is pretty positive. It was a great partnership and a good way to end the day," Cummins said.
"After two days it's pretty close to 50-50. It's a pretty good Test match. Some blokes have got themselves in and looked comfortable out there, but a lot of other guys haven't," Cummins added regarding the bowlers' dominance.
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Cummins attributed the rapid progress of the match to both pitch conditions and bowling quality.
"Both teams have bowled really well, really disciplined. There haven't been many half-volleys," he said.
"The trend of the game is that the runs are coming down. It's still pretty difficult out there, but we will have to bowl well tomorrow (Friday)," the 32-year-old said in his 68th Test appearance.
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Cummins became the eighth Australian bowler to reach 300 Test wickets, achieving this feat at an average of 22.08.
"There's not too many on that list. It's something I've always thought about. It's a pretty good sign of durability and longevity," Cummins remarked about his milestone.
South Africa's top scorer
David Bedingham
, who made 45 runs, acknowledged the challenging conditions.
"It's a fairly tricky pitch, but I think when you have six quality seamers on a tricky pitch it obviously makes batting tough," Bedingham said.
Despite trailing in the match, Bedingham expressed confidence in South Africa's ability to chase down the target.
"It is an amazing chance and we are very excited about the opportunity to win. It could go either way but there is a lot of belief," he said.
"I think the pitch is slowing down a bit and maybe in the fourth innings it will go a bit straighter. Hopefully, we can get those runs," Bedingham added, as South Africa aims for their first major global title in 28 years.
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