Matthew Hayden praised Australia’s speed three after they helped the Baggy Greens secure a commanding first-innings lead in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Thursday, June 12.
Hayden singled out Pat Cummins, praising the Australian captain’s ability to challenge the off-stump, use the slope at Lord’s, and force South African batsmen to play regularly. The former Australian opener also praised Cummins for taking 300 Test wickets despite being out for five and a half years owing to injuries.
Cummins became the eighth Australian bowler with 300 Test wickets. He accomplished the feat on Day 2 of the WTC final by dismissing Kagiso Rabada and finishing with outstanding figures of 6/28 in South Africa’s first innings.
“Cummins does everything right: he challenges the off stump, uses the slope, and targets the top of the stumps, forcing batters to play constantly.” He now has over 300 Test wickets despite missing five and a half years due to injuries.
“That is extraordinary,” Hayden was quoted as saying by India Today.
Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood provided excellent support for Cummins. While the left-arm pacer disposed of the openers with the new ball, Hazlewood dismissed the dangerous Tristan Stubbs.
Hayden believes that Hazlewood, Cummins, and Starc together form Australia’s best seam-bowling attack of all time. He put them ahead of the renowned trio of Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie, and Brett Lee.
“The trio of Hazlewood, Cummins, and Starc could be Australia’s best-ever pace attack—better than McGrath, Gillespie, and Lee—because they’ve bowled more together and in more combinations.” Add Nathan Lyon to the mix, and it’s a “awesome foursome.” Despite being under siege, Australia did well to maintain its lead. South Africa pushed back fiercely, making this a seesaw battle. “It’s been a fantastic Test match so far, and Day 3 promises more drama,” Hayden stated.
Hayden pointed out that bowlers have controlled proceedings in the WTC final, but hitters have not performed well, particularly against the swing available at the historic venue.
“Based on Day 2 performance, an equal amount of wickets fell across the two days. Batters appear to be rusty in Test match batting. The lateral movement has made footwork difficult; they are getting struck on the pads and edging deliveries. “Bowlers dominated this match,” Hayden stated.
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