Day two of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground in London was filled with thrilling action. A total of 14 wickets fell in the match between South Africa and Australia, dramatically shifting the momentum of the game.
Sports News: The second day of the WTC Final at the iconic Lord's witnessed intense fluctuations and thrilling bowling performances. A total of 14 wickets tumbled, resulting in a dramatic turn in the match. In this crucial encounter between South Africa and Australia, Australia has currently solidified its position. At stumps, the Kangaroos had reached 144/8 in their second innings, establishing a lead of 218 runs.
Mitchell Starc (16*) and Nathan Lyon (1*) remained unbeaten at the crease at the day's end. Although the South African bowlers fought back valiantly, a crucial partnership between Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc propelled Australia forward once more.
Cummins Wreaks Havoc, South Africa Bowled Out for 6 Wickets
Australian captain Pat Cummins once again showcased his exceptional leadership and bowling prowess. His role in restricting South Africa to 138 in their first innings was decisive. He claimed 6 wickets, not only securing a crucial 74-run lead for his team but also setting a new record for the most five-wicket hauls in the WTC 2023-25 cycle.
This was his sixth five-wicket haul in the cycle. He surpassed Jasprit Bumrah of India, taking his tally to 79 wickets – the highest by any bowler in this cycle.
For South Africa, David Bedingham (45) and captain Temba Bavuma (36) offered some resistance. Their 64-run partnership for the fifth wicket provided a brief glimmer of hope, but the South African batting lineup crumbled soon after. Batsmen like Aiden Markram and Marco Jansen were dismissed for ducks.
Australia's Second Innings Stumbles, Then Carey-Starc Take Charge
With a 74-run lead, Australia's second innings began with expectations of a b score. However, the South African bowlers, particularly Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, produced a stunning display, dismantling the Kangaroo top order. Seven Australian batsmen were back in the pavilion at 73 runs.
The likes of Usman Khawaja (6), Travis Head (9), Steve Smith (13), Marnus Labuschagne (22), Beau Webster (9), and captain Pat Cummins (6) all failed to contribute significantly. But in this crisis, wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey and veteran Mitchell Starc steadied the ship. Their crucial eighth-wicket partnership yielded 51 runs. Carey played cautiously, scoring 43 runs and playing a vital role in extending Australia's lead to over 200 runs. Rabada dismissed him in the final moments of the day.
Rabada and Ngidi Shine, Both Take Three Wickets for the Third Time
Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi were outstanding for South Africa, taking three wickets apiece and decimating the Australian batting line-up. Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder each added a wicket, further jeopardizing Australia’s position, but the Carey-Starc partnership steered the lead in a decisive direction.
Australia will aim to extend their lead further on day three with two wickets remaining. Their current lead of 218 runs is considered substantial in a Test match, especially on the Lord's pitch which has offered assistance to the bowlers. South Africa will strive to quickly dismiss the remaining batsmen to limit the target. However, if Australia manages a lead of over 250, scoring runs in the fourth innings will become extremely challenging for South Africa.
