Ecstatic Cummins reflects on 300 Test wicket milestone

By Jonathan Healy, at Lord's

Australia captain Pat Cummins was ecstatic after he broke through the 300-wicket milestone during the ICC World Test Championship Final.

Cummins brought up his 14th haul of five wickets or better when collecting superb figures of 6/28 to help skittle South Africa at Lord's on Thursday and in the process become just the eighth bowler from Australia to have taken more than 300 Test scalps.

His efforts provided Australia with a 78-run lead on the first innings in the Ultimate Test and gave them the upper hand as they attempt to defend the World Test Championship title they won against India at The Oval in 2023.

And while Cummins knows there is still plenty of work ahead for his side before they become the first team to defend the mace with consecutive World Test Championship triumphs, the fast bowler was thrilled to have ticked off the 300-wicket milestone earlier than planned.

"It's way more than I could have asked for," Cummins said after South Africa was dismissed for 138 in their first innings at Lord's on the back of his superb individual performance.

"Three hundred is a really big number and I have battled a few injuries and niggles and got through and played well in different conditions, so I am pretty happy."

While Australia remains in the box seat to defeat South Africa and claim the World Test Championship title, Cummins believes the pitch is still providing both batters and bowlers with the chance to thrive if they perform well.

"When the ball got a little bit softer there wasn't too much in it, but it feels like the odd ball is nipping a little bit," Cummins said of the conditions at Lord's.

"It feels like if you bowl well it is tough to score runs, so there is a bit in it for both (batters and bowlers)."