Australia Takes Commanding Lead Over South Africa in WTC Final 2025

Australia has taken a commanding lead in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s, thanks to a stellar performance by captain Pat Cummins and a valuable contribution from wicketkeeper Alex Carey. On Day 2, Cummins showcased his bowling prowess, achieving his 300th Test wicket with impressive figures of 6 for 28, as Australia bowled South Africa out for just 138 runs. Despite a dramatic collapse in their second innings, Australia ended the day at 144 for 8, establishing a significant 218-run advantage.

## Cummins Shines with Historic Bowling Performance

Pat Cummins delivered a remarkable display of fast bowling, dismantling the South African batting lineup with precision. His six-wicket haul, including four wickets for just one run at one stage, not only helped bowl South Africa out for 138 but also marked a personal milestone as he reached 300 Test wickets. This achievement places him among the elite bowlers in the game. The pitch provided some assistance to the fast bowlers, leading to a staggering total of 28 wickets falling across both teams during the day’s play. Cummins’s efforts earned him a spot on the prestigious Lord’s honours board, a stark contrast to his previous experience at the venue during the Ashes series.

## South Africa’s Struggles with the Bat

South Africa faced significant challenges during their innings, with only a few players managing to make a meaningful impact. Captain Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham were the standout performers, putting together a fifth-wicket partnership of 64 runs. Bavuma scored 36 runs, while Bedingham top-scored with 45. However, the rest of the batting lineup crumbled under pressure. Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi spearheaded the bowling attack for South Africa, with Rabada taking 5 for 51 in the first innings and continuing his form with 3 for 44 in the second.

## Australia Faces a Dramatic Collapse

Despite their strong position, Australia encountered a dramatic collapse during their second innings, slipping to 73 for 7 at one point. The fall began when Rabada dismissed Usman Khawaja for six and Cameron Green for a duck in the 11th over. Marnus Labuschagne, making his debut as a Test opener, contributed 22 runs before being caught behind. Beau Webster, who had been the top scorer with 72 runs in the first innings, fell lbw to Ngidi, leaving Australia in a precarious position. However, Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc managed to stabilize the innings, forming a crucial eighth-wicket partnership of 61 runs before Carey was dismissed lbw by Rabada.

## The Match Poised for an Early Conclusion

As Day 2 concluded, Australia held a commanding lead of 218 runs, with two wickets remaining in their second innings. The match remains finely balanced, and given the pitch conditions, it could conclude before the third day’s end. With the momentum firmly in Australia’s favor, all eyes will be on whether they can maintain their advantage and secure victory in this crucial Test match.

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