Cummins , Carey shine as Australia take 218 run lead over South Africa in WTC final

 

Another Day Belongs to the Bowlers as WTC Final Hangs in the Balance

Batters are struggling to survive on the Lord’s pitch, where the ball continues to swing even in the final over of the second day. Both Australia and South Africa’s bowlers have taken full advantage of the pitch and overhead conditions. After two days of the World Test Championship final, 28 wickets have fallen. Though Australia hold a slight edge, the match remains wide open, with either side capable of clinching victory.

Australia had secured a 74-run lead in the first innings—a valuable advantage on such a challenging surface. However, they failed to capitalise on it in their second innings. Their top-order batters once again faltered. While Steve Smith and Beau Webster had managed fifties in the first innings, even that was missing in the second. Among the top six, only Marnus Labuschagne (22) and Smith (13) reached double figures. At one point, Australia were reeling at 73 for 7, though still leading by 147 runs.

It was a missed opportunity for Temba Bavuma’s South Africa to bowl them out cheaply. But Australia once again showed why they are such a formidable force in world cricket. A crucial eighth-wicket partnership of 61 runs between Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc rescued the innings. Carey, who had thrown away a good start in the first innings, played with maturity this time, with able support from Starc. Together, they pushed Australia's lead past 200. Australia’s lower order once again proved problematic for the Proteas.

Carey was eventually dismissed for 43 late in the day. Starc too could have been out, but Marco Jansen dropped a catch off the final over—South Africa's only notable miss in an otherwise sharp fielding performance. At stumps on Day 2, Australia were 144 for 8, leading by 218 runs.

While Australia have the upper hand, traditionally the pitch at Lord’s gets better for batting on Days 3 and 4. If South Africa can wrap up the Australian innings quickly on the third morning, they’ll still have a strong chance of becoming champions. However, the way this match is progressing, a result by Friday looks almost certain.

South Africa had resumed the day on 43 for 4. Their immediate challenge was to survive the first session against the pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood. Bavuma and David Bedingham did just that, relying on solid defence and not taking unnecessary risks. They knew runs would come once the ball aged—and it did. A 64-run stand between them brought South Africa back into the contest.

Bavuma gradually opened up, even pulling Cummins for a six—a shot that visibly surprised the Aussie skipper. But perhaps that aggressive shot led to a lapse in judgment. Soon after, Bavuma attempted a lofted cover drive and was caught brilliantly by Labuschagne for 36.

After the skipper’s dismissal, Bedingham forged another useful stand with keeper Kyle Verreynne, taking the team past 100. By lunch, South Africa were 121 for 5. Rain interrupted play briefly post-lunch, but once the game resumed, the Proteas innings quickly unraveled.

Cummins removed Verreynne and Jansen in the same over—two body blows South Africa never recovered from. Bedingham, who was anchoring the innings, fell for 45, again to Cummins. The innings folded within two overs after that. Cummins completed a six-wicket haul, crossing the 300-wicket milestone in Tests.

As the contest enters Day 3, Australia are ahead but not safe. With the pitch expected to ease up, and both teams showing fighting spirit, the next day may well decide the new Test champions.