Pat Cummins Or Kagiso Rabada: Who Could Be The Match-Winner In WTC Final?

Cummins Vs Rabada in Tests [Source: @cricketcomau/x.com]

The stage is set for the epic clash of two heavyweights as Australia will collide against South Africa in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC). The classic game will be played at the mecca of Cricket, Lord's. The Aussies are the defending champions and will enter the finale as the favourites.

The two teams have numerous match-winners who could decide the outcome of the contest but since the Lord's surface favours the bowlers, the focus will be on two of the biggest match-winners of the modern era - Pat Cummins and Kagiso Rabada.

The Aussie captain, Cummins and Proteas spearhead, Rabada could be the difference maker and in this piece we will analyse their home, away and stats in England to determine who could be the potential game-changer.

Cummins Vs Rabada: Stats in home Tests

• As the table suggests, both Cummins and Rabada have played almost similar number of matches at home, however, Rabada has been highly influential with his performances. While Cummins, in 38 games has scalped 177 wickets, Rabada, in 37 matches has 198 wickets to his name.
• Both the South African and Australian conditions suit pacers and Rabada has the slight edge in home conditions.

Cummins Vs Rabada: stats in away Tests

• Again, as the numbers tell the story, Rabada is an underrated gem and has better numbers than Cummins in away Tests as well. The difference is marginal but the Proteas seamer has an average and strike rate of 24.96 and 46.1, while Cummins has an average of 25.94 and a strike rate of 50. Unlike Cummins, Rabada probably doesn't get enough support from the other end and has to carry the attack on his back.

Cummins Vs Rabada: stats in England

• Just like the home and away conditions, Rabada has the edge over Cummins in English conditions as well. His strike rate of (41.8) is better than Cummins (47.3) and has adapted wonderfully in English conditions.

Cummins or Rabada: Who will get assistance from Lord's surface?

• If the tradition continues then the Lord's wicket will help the seamers and will offer some lateral movement. If that happens, both Rabada and Cummins will have their fair share of advantage as both the champion bowlers rely on seam movement. However, if we go by the above mentioned stats, then Rabada could be a major threat for the Aussie batters and could be a potential game-changer and better suited bowler as compared to Pat Cummins.
• Moreover, Cummins is more of a hit the deck bowler and at Lord's you need someone who could pitch it up to the batter, a trait which has been mastered by Rabada.

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