Bullseye! Captain Pat Cummins deposited the inswinger right on the stumps to dismiss any potential threat from Wiaan Mulder, the number three batter of the South African batting lineup. In Day 1 of the ongoing World Test Championship Final (WTC Final), it was mostly a bowling exhibition from both ends. 

Apart from the batting brilliance from Steve Smith and Beau Webster, a total of 14 scalps were dismissed at the Lord's under a cloudy sky. One of the best displays of bowling craftsmanship was when Pat Cummins brushed all timbers to dismiss the Protean. Mulder, beaten by the extra pace, completely misjudged the line and length on the second delivery of the sixteenth over, exposed, and Cummins took most of it—an important wicket. During the first innings, Cummins, who was bowled out by Kagiso Rabada, who took a fifer, replied by snatching the wicket of Mulder.

South Africa's bowling line-up, led by Kagiso Rabada, did well by restricting the power-packed Aussies to only 212. Temba Bavuma and his boys got the exact start they could have imagined in a final match against Australia. They only need to hold their nerves while batting and take a handsome lead to put more pressure on Australia. 

Read More: 'GOAT of Tests' - Fans react as Steve Smith scores half century in SA vs AUS WTC Final 2025

Team Australia always have a plan B

The team with the experience of playing multiple title decider matches and the defending champion of the World Test Championship always has a plan B in their pocket. If not with the bat, then crack with the ball, a team game—that's what Australians can do best when they find themselves balancing on a thin line. 

Mulder lost his wicket only for 6 after facing 44 deliveries. Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, and Ryan Rickelton all went back to the pavilion and left the matter on the captain Temba Bavuma's shoulder. 

Watch the moment when Cummins dismissed Mulder

Pat Cummins gets Mulder 🔥🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/uQDqA6ZVFn

— 𝙈𝘼𝙃𝙀𝙎𝙃 (@Maheshhh_18) June 11, 2025