Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden and South African fast bowler Dale Steyn have taken aim at Pat Cummins for his cautious approach in the World Test Championship final.In the match taking place at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground, South Africa posted 213 runs for the loss of 2 wickets and now require just 69 more to secure victory. Aiden Markram remains unbeaten on 102, while captain Temba Bavuma is steady on 65.Australian skipper Pat Cummins employed a conservative game plan on the third day, allowing South Africa to edge closer to their maiden Test Championship title with eight wickets in hand.
Australia had been in control during the first two days of the final, but the third day saw Aiden Markram’s century and Bavuma’s solid knock shift the momentum, pushing the Aussies onto the back foot.Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden voiced disapproval of Cummins’ passive tactics, stating that “you can’t win a match without applying pressure on the opposition.” He added that more aggression should have been directed toward Bavuma and Markram, but that opportunity was missed.
Similarly, South African pace legend Dale Steyn expressed his discontent with the Australian captain’s tactical decisions, saying he was surprised by Cummins’ reluctance to attack. Steyn suggested that fielders should have been brought in closer—positions like short cover and short mid-wicket—to create chances and force mistakes, but such proactive measures were not taken.
