The World Test Championship final at Lord’s has taken a sensational turn, with Australia suffering a dramatic second-innings collapse that has reignited South Africa’s hopes of clinching the coveted title. The exchange of momentum on Day Two set the stage for a thrilling showdown in the days to come.
The day began with South Africa resuming their first innings at a vulnerable 43-4. Despite some fightback from captain Temba Bavuma (36) and David Bedingham (45), the innings unraveled rapidly after lunch.
Australian skipper Pat Cummins led from the front, tearing through the lower order with a fiery 6-wicket haul (6-28), dismissing South Africa for just 138. At that point, with a significant lead in hand, Australia appeared to have taken control of the match.
However, the tides turned dramatically during Australia’s second innings. The South African pace unit launched a relentless attack post-tea, ripping through the Australian top order and shifting the balance of the World Test Championship final.
Kagiso Rabada (3-44) and Lungi Ngidi (3-35) dismantled the batting line-up, aided by incisive spells from Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder.
Australian stars Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith, usually dependable in crisis, were both dismissed cheaply. The top order crumbled to 73-7, echoing South Africa’s earlier woes.
Alex Carey emerged as the lone resistance, scoring a quickfire 43 off 50 balls, but his late dismissal to Rabada—trapped LBW—proved costly.
At stumps on Day Two, Australia found themselves reeling at 144-8, with a lead of just 218. The once-dominant side now faces a resurgent South Africa determined to seize their chance in the World Test Championship final.
Every phase of the match has delivered compelling cricket—swing, seam, and nerve have defined the game so far. From Usman Khawaja’s repeat dismissal to Ngidi’s lethal yorker to Cummins, the exchange of blows has kept the crowd gripped.
With the pitch still offering movement and both teams showcasing elite pace bowling, the outcome of the World Test Championship final remains wide open. As Day Three approaches, all eyes are on Lord’s, where cricket fans can expect yet another chapter of high-stakes drama in this unforgettable Test showdown.