Australia's Bowling Legends Aim for Historic World Title Together
Historic Quest for Australia's Bowling Quartet
The renowned Australian bowling lineup, featuring captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and spinner Nathan Lyon, is on a mission to achieve a historic milestone by winning their first world title together on the field.
Despite their impressive achievements, which include a combined total of 1,508 Test wickets, this formidable quartet has yet to celebrate championship success as a unit. Various factors, including injuries and format changes, have prevented them from playing together during significant tournaments such as the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, and the ICC World Test Championship 2023.
Record-Breaking Achievements of Australia's Bowling Stars
In 2024, this legendary group of bowlers made history by each surpassing 250 Test wickets. Nathan Lyon ranks as the third-highest wicket-taker for Australia with 553 wickets in 136 Tests, while Mitchell Starc follows closely with 382 wickets in 96 matches, placing him fourth. Captain Cummins is just six wickets shy of reaching 300 Test wickets, currently holding eighth place with 294 wickets in 67 matches. Hazlewood stands at tenth with 279 wickets in 72 matches, aiming for his own milestone.
The upcoming World Test Championship final against South Africa will mark the 33rd occasion these four bowlers have played together in a Test match, showcasing their remarkable longevity. Lyon, Cummins, and Starc made their Test debuts in 2011, while Hazlewood joined the team in 2014. Throughout their time together, Australia has faced defeat in eight of the 32 Tests they have played as a quartet.
Defending the WTC Title Under Pat Cummins' Leadership
Under the leadership of Cummins, Australia is determined to defend the WTC mace, which they secured after triumphing over India in the previous World Test Championship Final held at The Oval in June 2023.
The squad for the WTC final includes: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon, and Matt Kuhnemann. The traveling reserve is Brendan Doggett.