'Australia will come prepared': India's World Cup-winning star gives stern warning to Temba Bavuma-led South Africa for WTC final

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh lauds Pat Cummins for his exceptional captaincy. He believes that the Australian skipper unites the team, is a match-winner, and commands respect in the dressing room, which leads to more victories.

Cummins led Australia to their sixth ODI World Cup title after defeating the hosts India in the final of 2023 ODI World Cup at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and their maiden WTC title in the same year. He is also leading Aussies to their second WTC Final scheduled on June 11 against South Africa.

"Cummins is one of those leaders who brings everyone together. More importantly, he's a proven match-winner with great command in the dressing room. When your team respects and rallies behind you, you win more matches. That's what makes him a very special captain for Australia," JioStar expert Harbhajan Singh said while speaking on JioHotstar and Star Sports network.

Harbhajan warned South Africa saying that Australia is well-prepared for the WTC final fixture due to their experience in England, understanding of the conditions, and their ability to handle pressure.

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"Australia will come prepared. They've played a lot of cricket in England--Ashes, the last WTC Final--and that experience will count. They understand these conditions better than South Africa. Plus, they're a champion side. The difference lies in how you handle pressure during big matches, and Aussies are masters at that. That's why they've won more trophies than anyone else," he added.

Australia are yet to lose a Test series over the past two years; they defeated New Zealand and Sri Lanka while retaining the Ashes in England in 2023. They defeated India and Pakistan at home, along with a draw against the West Indies, to secure a spot in the WTC decider against the Proteas.

Australia playing 11 for WTC final: 1. Usman Khawaja, 2. Marnus Labuschagne, 3. Cameron Green, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Beau Webster, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Pat Cummins (c), 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Josh Hazlewood.