Despite the bitter disappointment of the ICC World Test Championship Final loss, captain Pat Cummins is already shifting his focus to Australia's next challenge
Cummins' run as a captain started with retaining the Ashes against England away from home after a 2-2 draw, and it was followed by one-sided ICC World Test Championship and ICC Cricket World Cup wins against India. However, everything has an end and it seems, so did Cummins' consistent champ
The win also marked the end of a long drought for the Proteas on the global stage as they secured their first ICC title since 1998. They last won the ICC KnockOut Trophy.
Cummins' golden run as a captain ended, but it was absolute ecstasy and joy on the other end as Temba Bavuma-led South Africa won their first-ever world title across any form of cricket, beating Australia by five wickets on the back of a masterclass century from Aiden Markram.
"Aiden and Temba didn't give us a chance. SA showed why they're here and are deserved winners, they kept themselves in the game throughout," Cummins admitted, praising the opposition's composure.
At the end of day three, SA was 213/2, with Markram (102*) and Bavuma (65*) unbeaten. They need 69 runs to win in their run-chase of 282 runs. This is the first-ever century by a Proteas player in an ICC tournament final.
Australia captain Pat Cummins reigned supreme and toppled records with his sizzling six-wicket haul on the second day of the World Test Championship final at the famed Lord's against South Africa as the fate of the prized title hangs in balance.
South Africa's David Bedingham exuded "confidence" in the Proteas' ability to gun down whatever target Australia throws at them and assured that they will approach the fourth innings chase with "belief" in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Australia fought back and ended Day 2 on 144/8, extending their lead to 218 runs in the World Test Championship Finals, against South Africa at the Home of Cricket in London on Thursday.
Australia ends Day 2 on 144/8, extending their lead to 218 runs in the World Test Championship Finals, against South Africa at Lord's in London on Thursday.
After a ruthless bowling display that saw South Africa bowled out for just 138, Australia went into Tea at 32/2, holding a 106-run lead on Day 2 of the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's on Thursday.
Captain Pat Cummins was the star of the session, producing a spell for the ages