'I hope so': Pat Cummins closes in on major milestone as Aussies prepare for WTC final
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Pat Cummins is edging closer towards a major milestone and there's no better time to make it happen than in the World Test Championship final.
The superstar could become just the eighth Australian to ever take 300 wickets this week against South Africa, requiring just six more to join the elite club.
It's an incredible feat that looms for the 32-year-old, especially given the amount of time he spent away from the Test arena earlier in his career due to injury.
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Test captain Pat Cummins. Getty
Speaking to Nine's Today ahead of the clash with the Proteas, the skipper admitted that while it would be nice to tick off the milestone, that will be the least of his worries.
"I hope so, I think I've only got five or six to go so that would be nice - but as long as we win, I don't really care," Cummins said.
"It's honestly something I never think about until you realise there's not that many people [to have done it for Australia].
"As a fast bowler, it's more the longevity I would be proud of than wickets."
Australia will be the red-hot favourites for the WTC decider as they look to defend their crown - but they might not have the crowd on their side at Lord's.
"I feel like any English fans that turn up will be going for South Africa," Cummins said.
"We do have a lot of Aussies here in London that will be showing their face, so who knows? It's gonna be interesting and I think it's a packed house all week."
Pat Cummins speaks to Today ahead of the WTC final Nine
When is the World Test Championship final?
The game between Australia and South Africa kicks off on Wednesday, June 11.
What time is the World Test Championship final in Australia?
Play will begin each day at 7.30pm AEST.
How to watch the World Test Championship final in Australia
The only way to watch Australia vs South Africa will be via Amazon Prime.
Where is the World Test Championship final?
This year's clash will be held at Lord's in London, England.
World Test Championship final squads
Pat Cummins and Kagiso Rabada Getty
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster
South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Kyle Verreynne, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Senuran Muthusamy
World Test Championship final prize money
The winning team will receive $5.6 million AUD - more than double what the Aussies got two years ago when they lifted the trophy.
The runners-up will also receive an increase, with the prize money up to $3.2 million.
Australia celebrates their 2023 victory. Getty
What happens if the World Test Championship final is drawn?
If the match finishes in a draw or tie, Australia and South Africa will share the trophy.
However, officials have a reserve day in place for any inclement weather, reducing the possibility of a draw.
