ICC World Test Championship 2025Australia Cricket Newsaustralian cricket playersCricket NewsICC EventsICC TournamentsICC World Test ChampionshipInternational MatchesSouth Africa cricket playersSouth Africa national cricket team newsSouth Africa vs AustraliaTestTest CricketTest Cricket UpdatesTest Match UpdatesWorld Test ChampionshipWTCWTC फाइनल
Cummins, Ngidi Star as WTC Final Hangs in the Balance After Dramatic Day 2
Pace Bowlers Dominate as Australia and South Africa Trade Blows
The World Test Championship Final 2025 at Lord’s Cricket Ground continued to thrill as 28 wickets fell in just two days, leaving the match finely poised. Pat Cummins’s fiery spell (6/28) in South Africa’s first innings and a late resistance by Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc in Australia’s second innings ensured that Day 2 was packed with high-octane action.
Australia ended the day at 144/8, with a lead of 218 runs, after South Africa fought back through Lungi Ngidi (3/35) and Kagiso Rabada (3/44).
Pat Cummins Destroys South Africa with Six-Wicket Haul
Captain Sets the Tone with Milestone Performance
South Africa resumed Day 2 on 121/5, but their hopes were dashed by an inspired spell from Australia’s captain Pat Cummins, who ripped through the lower order. He became the first Test captain since Daniel Vettori in 2008 to take a five-wicket haul at Lord’s and also crossed 300 Test wickets during the process.
Cummins removed Kyle Verreynne via lbw, followed by the wickets of Marco Jansen, David Bedingham (45), and Kagiso Rabada, wrapping up South Africa for 138.
Earlier in the session, Temba Bavuma (36) batted with authority, overturning an lbw decision via DRS and hitting a massive pull for six off Cummins. However, a brilliant diving catch by Marnus Labuschagne ended his stay just before lunch.
📰 Read more: Australia’s History in ICC Test Finals.
South Africa Strike Back: Rabada, Ngidi Shake Australian Top Order
Top Order Collapse Creates Tension
With a first-innings lead of 74, Australia started confidently in their second innings through Marnus Labuschagne (22). But a double-wicket over from Kagiso Rabada—dismissing Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green—sparked a collapse.
Lungi Ngidi, after a quiet start, came alive in the final session by dismissing Steve Smith and Beau Webster, both lbw. The use of DRS proved crucial as South Africa successfully overturned the decision against Smith.
At 66/6, things worsened for Australia as Travis Head was bowled by Wiaan Mulder, giving South Africa hopes of wrapping up the innings cheaply.
Carey and Starc Steady the Ship in Late Session Fightback
Lower Order Leads the Resistance
When Alex Carey joined Mitchell Starc, Australia was in trouble at 73/7. The duo added a vital 61-run partnership, helping Australia recover to 144/8. Carey played fluently for his 43 runs, reviewing an lbw successfully, while Starc rotated the strike effectively.
South Africa missed key chances during the stand—Verreynne dropped Starc, and Jansen overstepped twice, costing his side valuable momentum. Rabada returned to finally dismiss Carey, but the damage had been done as Australia’s lead crossed 200.
Summary of Day 2: Drama in Every Session
Morning Session – Bavuma’s Class, Cummins’ Brilliance
South Africa’s innings began with Temba Bavuma showing positive intent, including a six off Cummins. However, Labuschagne’s fielding brilliance brought his innings to an end. Pat Cummins then triggered a collapse post-lunch.
Afternoon Session – Collapse and Comeback
After bowling out South Africa cheaply, Australia started solidly but lost quick wickets to Rabada and Ngidi, who made the most of the helpful conditions.
Evening Session – Carey and Starc Rescue Australia
Australia avoided a total collapse, thanks to Carey’s smart batting and Starc’s support. Despite late strikes from Rabada, South Africa missed chances to close the innings, leaving Australia in control.
What to Expect Next: A Classic Test Match Finale Looms
With a lead of 218, Australia will look to stretch their advantage to around 250 on Day 3. For South Africa, quick wickets are a must. With the pitch aiding pace and both teams relying on their fast bowlers, the WTC Final is heading for a thrilling conclusion.
🌐 See full scorecard on ICC official site: ICC WTC Final 2025 – Live Scorecard.
