Australia skipper Pat Cummins coolly dismissed James Anderson’s remarks that compared him with South African pace ace Kagiso Rabada ahead of the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final. Both fast bowlers, considered among the finest in modern Test cricket, will spearhead their respective attacks in the much-anticipated final at Lord’s starting June 11.
At a pre-match press conference, a journalist mentioned Anderson’s observation that, after watching both teams train, he rated Rabada higher. When asked for his take, Cummins responded with his usual composed demeanor and a light-hearted smile, prompting laughter from the assembled media.
“Cool…no worries,” Cummins said (via ABC Sport).
You can watch the video here:
"Cool … no worries." 😂🏏
🇦🇺 A relaxed Pat Cummins has brushed off Jimmy Anderson's comments ahead of the World Test Championship final. 🏆
🟢 Catch every ball of the World Test Championship Final on ABC listen app: https://t.co/kOx43L4GXr #WTC25 #WTCFinal pic.twitter.com/AITxAicFc7
— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) June 11, 2025
Kagiso Rabada and Pat Cummins are nearly identical statistically, with a combined 621 Test wickets and similar averages. Rabada has played just three more matches than Cummins, highlighting their dominance over the past decade.
James Anderson Praises Kagiso Rabada As One Of His Favourite Bowlers To Watch
Former England fast bowler James Anderson lauded Kagiso Rabada in the lead-up to the WTC Final, emphasizing the significance of his duel with Australia’s star batter, Steve Smith. While Smith has an impressive track record at Lord’s—averaging 58.33 across five Tests—his personal battle with Rabada tells a different story.
The South African speedster has removed Smith four times in 15 Test innings, limiting him to just 128 runs at an average of 32 in their encounters.
“The main one for me will be Rabada against Steve Smith, and I think that could be a really good, interesting battle. Steve Smith is one of the best batters in the world and Kagiso Rabada is one of my favourite bowlers to watch.”
“He’s got so many attributes that just make me want to tune into the TV and watch him. He’s a fantastic player, so I’m really looking forward to that battle,” Anderson said at the DP World Beyond Boundaries event at Lord’s on Monday (via Sports Illustrated).
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
