Cummins Emphasizes Bowling Precision for Day Three

Following a strong showing that gave his team an edge at the close of the second day of the ICC World Test Championship 2025 Final at Lord’s, Australian captain Pat Cummins highlighted the importance of disciplined bowling in the last innings.

Lord’s experienced a day of shifting fortunes, with Australia finishing the second day holding a significant 218-run advantage in the third innings.

Cummins voiced his satisfaction with the team’s standing, while also acknowledging the task ahead.

Cummins told reporters after the day’s play, “Ideally, we probably would have liked a few more wickets in hand. However, the game’s pattern indicates that runs are becoming harder to come by, and it remains quite challenging out there.”

Australia bounced back with a superb bowling performance after being dismissed for 212 in their first innings, gaining a critical 74-run lead.

Despite losing eight wickets in the third innings, the team was able to extend their lead beyond 200 runs.

The right-arm fast bowler stressed the necessity of precise execution with the ball on day three.

“It’s shaping up nicely for a Day 3 conclusion. But I think we’ll need to deliver a strong bowling performance in the fourth innings.”

Cummins was the day’s most notable player, taking 6 for 28 – his third-best numbers – and being crucial to Australia’s comeback. The performance also saw him reach 300 wickets in Test cricket, making him the eighth Australian to accomplish this milestone.

Cummins commented on his achievement, saying, “As a fast bowler, 300 wickets is often seen as a solid measure of endurance, resilience and longevity. I am very honoured to be among this group.”

Over the two days, 28 wickets have been taken, 25 of which were taken by fast bowlers. Kagiso Rabada (8 wickets) and Cummins (6 wickets) have stood out for their respective teams, excelling on a helpful Lord’s pitch.

Cummins spoke about the pitch conditions, commending the fast bowlers on both sides for taking advantage of the seam-friendly surface.

“I believe it’s a combination of the wicket providing some assistance. Just when it appears to be settling down, a delivery will move quite a bit off the seam.

“But I think both teams have demonstrated skillful bowling. There haven’t been many easy balls. Both teams have bowled consistently in those good length areas, with tight lines. I think the fast bowling, especially from South Africa today, was very challenging. The wicket has only added to the difficulty.”

When questioned about whether Australia had a target in mind during their third innings, Cummins said he was happy to exceed the 200-run lead and hoped for a few more runs early on the third day.

“Not specifically. When I came in, anything beyond 200 was a bonus, and we exceeded that. Hopefully, we can add another 20 or 30 tomorrow morning. That will allow us more flexibility with our bowling and enable us to set attacking fields.”

The World Test Championship Final continues with day three at Lord’s on Friday, June 13, promising more excitement in this captivating contest.