Australia, a side renowned for its heroics on the grand stage, suffered a rare fall in an ICC final, when South Africa stepped up to win their first ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title. The Aussies, who were the top side across the previous WTC cycle, failed to hold on to their crown at Lord’s—beaten by a fierce South African unit that rose to the challenge when it was needed most.
Having claimed the Mace in 2023 by beating India in the final, Australia came into this year’s title clash as favorites. But a combination of resilience and brilliance from the Proteas turned the tide. Aiden Markram’s superb century and a sensational nine-wicket haul from Kagiso Rabada proved decisive in South Africa ending their own long-standing drought in ICC tournaments.
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Cummins Reflects on Defeat and Praises South African Grit
Australian skipper Pat Cummins was a good sport in losing, looking back fondly on his team’s overall performance throughout the cycle. He recognized the nature of the WTC final a single game determining two years of toil—and had no complaints with the format. Though upset with the result, Cummins was still proud of what his team had accomplished over the previous two years.
“This is the pinnacle, I love Test cricket. Huge achievement to make the final, one-game shootout is a spectacle, didn’t end up on the right side but it’s been a great week,” reflected Cummins
Pat Cummins Praises Temba Bavuma And Aiden Markram
He also picked out Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma for match-turning performances, the latter fighting through a hamstring problem to steer South Africa through a defining moment. The captain was honest in his analysis of where it all went wrong Australia’s batting meltdown in the third innings being the turning point.
“Aiden and Temba didn’t give us a chance. And South Africa showed why they’re here and are deserved winners, they kept themselves in the game throughout. Things can change quickly in cricket, but it was a bridge too far. There were a few things that we didn’t do right. We didn’t bat out the opposition after a decent first-innings lead, if Smudge (Steven Smith) batted for another session he would have had the best of the conditions and things would be different.”
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Lyon Gets Acknowledgement From Cummins
Cummins also saved his compliments for the bowlers from Australia, especially Nathan Lyon, who worked really hard without return on both days. Cummins himself shone with a five-wicket haul in the first inning but South Africa’s pressure-absorbing ability and finishing in tight situations were the reasons they came out on top.
“Our guys have performed well in the last two years. Bowlers did well in the first two days. We gave everything a chance, Lyon bowled particularly well but didn’t get a wicket.”
Australia Eye WTC Rebound in West Indies
With the WTC final completed, Australia turn their attention to the forthcoming three-Test series in the West Indies, beginning later this month. The series represents the start of a fresh WTC cycle.
