Before the big final, Pat Cummins was asked if his team would target Kagiso Rabada over his drug ban.
Pat Cummins Addresses Potential Sledging of Rabada Ahead of WTC Final
Australia captain Pat Cummins spoke about whether his team would sledge South African pacer Kagiso Rabada over his recent drug ban ahead of the World Test Championship final at Lord’s. Rabada tested positive for a cocaine metabolite during a domestic T20 competition earlier this year, leading to a ban that forced him to leave IPL 2025 midway. Despite this controversy, Rabada was selected for South Africa’s squad for the final against Australia.
Known for their aggressive style and sledging on the field, Australia is often vocal in trying to unsettle opponents. However, Cummins dismissed the idea that his team would target Rabada for his off-field issues, stating, “It’s not really our style. I’d be surprised if that came up.”
Rabada, with 327 Test wickets, is close to equalling Allan Donald’s record on South Africa’s all-time list. He will lead a strong pace attack alongside Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi. This final marks Cummins’s second time captaining Australia in the WTC final, where Australia boasts a solid away record.
‘Maybe captaincy isn’t for me’: Cummins
Pat Cummins, who led Australia to victory over India in the last World Test Championship final, took over as captain from Tim Paine in November 2021. Since then, he has swiftly restored Australia’s dominance in Test cricket.
Reflecting on his initial days as captain, Cummins revealed he had doubts about his leadership abilities. “There was a lot of trepidation. One, because I was uncertain how I was going to go as a captain. I didn’t really have any experience. But also trepidation because it’s a big role and things can turn against you overnight. Part of me thought: ‘Maybe captaincy isn’t for me.’ But there’re enough great parts of the job I really enjoy,” he said.
Despite early uncertainties, Cummins has embraced the challenge and successfully guided the Australian team to continued success on the international stage.
