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Paine hails “best bowler in the world” Cummins after 300th Test wicket
Lachlan Geleit • June 13th, 2025 11:36 am
Former Australian captain Tim Paine has hailed his successor Pat Cummins as the best bowler in the world.
Paine’s praise comes after Cummins took 6/28 to help bowl South Africa out for 138 in the World Test Championship at Lord’s.
With the Aussies making just 212 in their first dig and sitting 8/144 at the end of Day 2 in response to South Africa’s 138, Cummins’ effort has been just about the only thing keeping Australia ahead in the match.
Cummins also reached 300 Test wickets with his sixth pole and Paine spoke of how lucky Australia has been to have him for 68 Tests so far.
“Pat Cummins, 300 Test wickets, he was already one of the greats but nice to tick off a milestone like that,” Paine told SEN Tassie.
“He’s been amazing. He came onto the scene as a raw, rapid, throwing it both ways, now he’s so reliable, he’s so durable and what a captain.
“He’s all about the team accolades but it's nice for him to get this on a personal front. It’s out of this world how good he has been and how lucky Australia are to have had him for 10 years.
“He’s been the best bowler in the world for some time now.”
While Cummins and Australia’s attack got the job done with the ball, they’ve been let down by their top order in hard batting conditions with Usman Khawaja (0 and 6), Marnus Labuschagne (17 and 22) and Cameron Green (4 and 0) all failing to make a big impact.
Even though questions will be raised about the trio, Paine is giving all three a raincheck given both the overhead and pitch conditions.
“It has been a difficult wicket to bat on – that’s not making excuses for Australia that’s just fact,” Paine said.
“It’s been very similar dismissals for Uzzie whose feet have stayed in the same place If you look at all the great players that’s what happens in Test cricket you get targeted. A lot of great players get out in the same way.
“But I think he (Khawaja) goes to the West Indies and scores a lot of runs and from there in the Ashes he will be a very important player for the summer.
“Cam Green not scoring any runs is a worry, but it’s great to have him back on the field. In the next 6-12 months having him fully fit, gives that team some flexibility.”
With Australia leading by 218 with two wickets in hands, the game is fairly evenly balanced, although Paine has the current title holders slightly in front as they aim for an overall lead of 260+ with Mitchell Starc (16) and Nathan Lyon (1) still at the crease.
“Australia are still in front for me,” Paine said.
“Batting in the game – it has been a funny wicket. It looks flat at times, then you have bursts of 45 mins when wickets tumble.
“I’d like it (the lead) to be upwards of 280 to be safe. Australia can bowl South Africa out on any pitch for under 260. So, I’d be comfortable on this wicket with 260-280.”
Day 3 begins at Lord’s at 7:30 pm (AEST). Listen to every ball LIVE on SEN and the SEN app.
