Introduction: In a gripping display of Test cricket at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, Australia have firmly seized control of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 against South Africa. On Day 2, the Aussies, powered by captain Pat Cummins‘s extraordinary bowling and a defiant stand by Alex Carey, ended the day with a commanding lead of 218 runs, finishing at 144-8 in their second innings. With drama, collapses, and milestones aplenty, this match is shaping up to be a classic.
Pat Cummins’s Heroics and Milestone Moment: The day belonged to Australia’s talismanic captain, Pat Cummins, who tore through the South African batting lineup with a spellbinding performance. Cummins claimed an astonishing 6 wickets for 28 runs, including a devastating burst of 4 wickets for just 1 run, as South Africa crumbled to 138 all out in response to Australia’s first-innings total of 212. This masterclass not only dismantled South Africa’s hopes but also saw Cummins join the elite club of bowlers with 300 Test wickets, earning him a well-deserved spot on the Lord’s honours board. His journey at Lord’s has come full circle—from facing boos two years ago over a controversial stumping in the Ashes to being celebrated as a cricketing great today.
South Africa’s Struggles and Brief Resistance: South Africa’s batting woes were evident as they struggled to counter Australia’s relentless pace attack on a pitch offering subtle but noticeable assistance to fast bowlers. Captain Temba Bavuma (36) and David Bedingham (45) offered a glimmer of hope with a fighting 64-run partnership for the fifth wicket, but once they fell, the tail collapsed swiftly. South Africa’s hopes now rest on their bowlers to spark a miraculous turnaround, with Kagiso Rabada leading the charge. Rabada, who had already bagged 5-51 in the first innings, added 3-44 in the second, while Lungi Ngidi supported with 3-35, ensuring Australia didn’t run away with the game unchallenged.
Australia’s Collapse and Carey’s Grit: Australia’s second innings began on shaky ground, as South Africa’s bowlers struck early to trigger a dramatic collapse. Usman Khawaja fell for 6, Cameron Green managed a mere duck, and debut Test opener Marnus Labuschagne scored 22 before being caught behind off Marco Jansen. Beau Webster, who had earlier top-scored with a resilient 72 in the first innings, was trapped lbw by Ngidi, leaving Australia reeling at 48-4. The situation turned dire at 73-7 when Cummins was bowled by a pinpoint yorker from Ngidi. However, Alex Carey (43) and Mitchell Starc (unbeaten on 16) staged a crucial 61-run eighth-wicket stand, steadying the ship and frustrating the Proteas. A dropped catch of Starc by Jansen in the final over off Wiaan Mulder’s bowling added to South Africa’s woes, offering Australia a lifeline at stumps.
Day of Drama and Fast-Paced Action: The second day of the WTC Final was a spectacle for cricket purists, with a staggering 28 wickets falling across both teams. While the pitch at Lord’s provided some help to seamers with its swing and bounce, it remained largely playable, making the frequent dismissals a testament to the quality of bowling on display. Originally slated for five days, this match could well conclude before the end of Day 3, given the rapid pace of play and Australia’s dominant position with two wickets still in hand.
Conclusion: As Day 2 draws to a close, Australia stand on the brink of clinching the WTC Final 2025, holding a formidable 218-run lead over South Africa. Pat Cummins’s historic performance and Alex Carey’s gritty contribution have put the Aussies in the driver’s seat, but with South Africa’s fiery pace attack still in the game, Day 3 promises more thrills. Will South Africa stage a comeback, or will Australia seal their dominance? Stay tuned as history unfolds at the Home of Cricket.