Pat-Cummins-Six-Wicket-Haul-Seals-Dominance-in-WTC-FinalWTC Final: Cummins' Devastating Spell Leads South Africa's Collapse

 

Australian captain Pat Cummins delivered a bowling masterclass on Day 2 of the ICC World Test Championship Final against South Africa at Lord's, ripping through the Proteas' middle order with a sensational spell that swung the momentum firmly in Australia's favor.

Comparisons to the ‘Terminator’ came his way, given his all-conquering accuracy and impact. All in all, Cummins took 6/28, five of those wickets from the last six of South Africa, who tumbled from a fairly comfortable position to being bowled out for a mere 138. 

 

Captain's Breakthrough Ignites Proteas' Collapse

 

Resuming at 43/4, South Africa began with intent as the captain, Temba Bavuma, was attacking the bowling. He and David Bedingham shared a vital fifth-wicket partnership, which threatened to erode Australia's first innings total of 212. However, the calm before the storm was going to be short as Cummins took charge.

The first breakthrough took place when Temba Bavuma fell to Cummins. Bavuma charged down the pitch to Marnus Labuschagne at cover for a stunning diving catch. That wicket, having broken a promising 64-run stand, opened the floodgates.

What came after was a display of fast bowling with pace, subtle movement, and unerring control that tore apart the South African batting order.

 

Verreynne and Jansen Fall in Rapid Succession

 

The post-lunch session saw the South Africans under relentless pressure. Kyle Verreynne was caught plumb LBW after an Australian review. Three balls later, Pat Cummins held a sharp return catch to dismiss Marco Jansen and send South Africa crashing to 126/7.

A stunned silence swept across the Lord's crowd, which was mixed with Australian and South African supporters, as the Australian skipper seemed to take a wicket every other ball.

The crucial moment came as Cummins induced an outside edge from David Bedingham, who fought gallantly for 45 runs, just five short of a well-deserved fifty. This wicket, apart from earning Cummins his five-wicket haul, made him only the eighth Australian to reach this landmark.

It was a fitting redemption after a career marked by resilience and world-class skill mastery, especially with the way his early injury setbacks had twisted.

 

Did Cummins' Six-Wicket Haul Seal South Africa's Fate

 

With Keshav Maharaj then run out in a panic-stricken moment, Cummins returned to finish the innings off by bowling Kagiso Rabada for a stunning six-wicket haul. South Africa duly lost their last five wickets for just 12 runs in 5.5 overs after lunch, a collapse from 126/5 to 138 all out that handed Australia a vital 74-run first-innings lead.

Cummins' 6/28 are not only his best at the home of cricket but have also become the best figures by any captain in an ICC final, thus further anchoring his name in the books. This ‘terminating’ spell, as the South African batsmen noted, combined with his inexhaustible energy and unerring line and length.

While Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, with the South African pacers, piled the pressure in Australia's second innings, setting the stage for a tantalizing finish to the second day, it was Pat Cummins' devastating spell in the middle overs that truly set the tone for the day.

His utter dominance and razing of a well-set batting order remind one that he is undoubtedly among the crème de la crème of fast bowlers and an inspiring leader. With Day 3 setting in, with that Australian lead of 218 runs over, it stands as a testament to their captain's brilliance.