Pat Cummins reached the milestone of 300 Test wickets in spectacular fast-bowling fashion while playing in the ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s. The Australian captain collected six wickets for just 28 runs (6/28) in the second innings against South Africa.
The number six wicket haul did more than send the South African batsmen back to the clubrooms, it also positioned Cummins as only the eighth Australian and the 40th overall to reach 300 Test wickets.
It hasn’t all been plain sailing for Cummins, who has suffered various injuries and setbacks in his career, expressed his delight with the feat saying, “It’s way more than I could have asked for. 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.”
Cummins’ Test Career: Quick Stats
Pat Cummins has been a key player in Australia’s pace attack playing primarily due to his speed, accuracy and pressure abilities to win matches. His Test statistics is a quick glimpse into his match-winning consistency and ability.
Key Test Statistics
| Matches | Innings Bowled | Balls Bowled | Runs Conceded | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best Bowling | 5W | 10W |
| 68 | 126 | 13,725 | 6,625 | 300 | 22.08 | 2.90 | 6/23 | 14 | 2 |
- Fastest to 300 Test Wickets: Cummins is the fifth-fastest to 300 wickets in balls bowled (13,725), which is three deliveries quicker than Malcolm Marshall.
- Five-Wicket Hauls: Cummins has taken 14 five-wicket hauls, including his match-defining 6/28 at Lord’s.
- Captaincy Milestone: Cummins has taken 136 wickets with the captaincy, second only to Richie Benaud for Australian captains by just a very small margin.
Also read: Top 10 Cricketers Who Came Out of Retirement and Played for Their Country Again
Historical context
The distinction that Cummins has achieved is one of historical significance not just for him but for Australian cricket too. He joins Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Dennis Lillee and other legends of Australian cricket as one of the elite group of bowlers to take 300+ Test wickets. His strike rate and average means he is one of the best fast bowlers Australia has ever produced.
The Road Ahead
With Australia in a solid position to defend their World Test Championship title, Cummins’ leadership and skill will be vital. The ability to change the game in different conditions as he does in key moments show why he is one of the great modern players.
Conclusion
It can be seen that 300 Test wickets is far more than a milestone for Pat Cummins; it is the culmination of a journey of hard work, injury, setbacks, setbacks and sacrifices. His journey from being a once-in-a-generation chance bowling prodigy, injury-prone and reached this level as a world class leader is relevant to all aspiring players.
His performances at the WTC final and since have put him firmly in the conversation of Australia’s great fast-bowlers—if his recent form is anything to go but, even more years must lie ahead for Pat Cummins, and the future is undoubtedly bright for Pat Cummins and Australian cricket.
Written By Smita Singh
