Australia captain Pat Cummins credits South Africa’s composure and top-order brilliance, especially the match-winning partnership between Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma, after Proteas secure their first-ever ICC World Test Championship title at Lord’s.
Pat Cummins admitted that Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma “didn’t give us a chance” as South Africa lifted their first-ever ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title in a historic five-wicket win over Australia at Lord’s on June 14. The triumph marked South Africa’s maiden WTC crown and their first ICC title since 1998, ending a 27-year drought on the global stage and delivering one of the nation’s most defining Test victories.
Despite entering the final as reigning champions, Cummins’ Australia was unable to sustain their early advantage. After bowling South Africa out for 138 and securing a 74-run first-innings lead, the Aussies stumbled in their second innings and failed to set a defendable target. South Africa’s composed fourth-innings chase, driven by Markram’s elegance and Bavuma’s grit, overwhelmed a bowling unit that had initially threatened to dominate.
“Things can change quickly, but it was a bridge too far,” Cummins said at the post-match presentation.
“Few things we didn’t do right. Didn’t bat out the opposition after a decent first-innings lead.”
Bowlers Begin Strong but Fade Late
Australia’s pace attack, led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, made early inroads in the first innings and were well supported by spinner Nathan Lyon, who bowled 26 overs for 66 runs but went wicketless in the final innings—a key factor as South Africa’s batting wall held firm.
“SA didn’t give us a chance in the fourth innings,” Cummins said.
“There are concerns in the top-seven. Guys have done well over the last two years. Bowlers did well in the first two days. Lyon bowled particularly well but didn’t get a wicket.”
Markram and Bavuma Seal the Deal
The match turned decisively in South Africa’s favor with a resilient and dominant 147-run partnership between Aiden Markram and skipper Temba Bavuma in the fourth innings.
- Markram stood tall with a magnificent 136 off 207 balls, laced with 14 boundaries, dictating the pace of the chase.
- Bavuma anchored the other end with a composed 66 off 134, showing calm under pressure to guide the Proteas home.
“Aiden and Temba didn’t give us a chance,” Cummins acknowledged.
“SA showed why they’re here and are deserved winners. They kept themselves in the game throughout.”
WTC Campaign Reflections
Despite the loss, Cummins remained proud of his team’s journey to the final of the second World Test Championship cycle.
“It’s the pinnacle. I love Test cricket. Huge achievement to make the final,” he said.
“It’s a one-game shootout and a spectacle. Didn’t end up on the right side, but it’s been a great week.”
South Africa’s WTC triumph not only marks a monumental achievement in their cricketing history but also highlights the significance of leadership, grit, and composure under pressure—embodied by Markram and Bavuma, the duo who never let Australia back in the game.