Lord’s, London – June 13, 2025 – Australia maintained a strong grip on the World Test Championship final against South Africa despite a dramatic batting collapse on the second day, largely thanks to captain Pat Cummins’ sensational bowling and a crucial rearguard effort from wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
Cummins’ Masterclass: A Historic Six-Wicket Haul
Day two at Lord’s saw a remarkable bowling performance from Australian skipper Pat Cummins. He ripped through the South African batting order, taking an astonishing 6 wickets for just 28 runs, including a devastating spell of four wickets for one run. This spell played a pivotal role in dismissing South Africa for a mere 138 in their first innings, giving Australia a vital 74-run lead.
Cummins’ outstanding effort also marked a significant personal milestone, as he claimed his 300th Test wicket, becoming only the eighth Australian bowler to achieve this feat. His figures were also the best by a Test captain at Lord’s since Daniel Vettori in 2008, solidifying his place on the Lord’s honours board.
South Africa Fights Back: Australia’s Second Innings Collapse
Despite their strong first-innings lead, Australia’s second innings started disastrously. South African pacers Kagiso Rabada (3-44) and Lungi Ngidi (3-35) wreaked havoc, reducing Australia to a precarious 73-7. The pitch, while offering assistance to the quicks, was not unplayable, but the relentless pressure from the Proteas bowlers exposed vulnerabilities in Australia’s top order. Wickets tumbled rapidly, and it seemed South Africa might snatch control of the final.
Carey’s Crucial Resistance: A Defiant Partnership
Just when Australia appeared to be capitulating, Alex Carey stepped up. The wicketkeeper-batsman played a defiant innings of 43, forming a crucial 61-run eighth-wicket partnership with Mitchell Starc (16 not out). This partnership proved vital in extending Australia’s lead to a potentially decisive 218 runs by stumps on Day 2, with Australia finishing at 144-8. Carey’s ability to absorb pressure and find boundaries ensured Australia remained in a commanding position despite the earlier collapse.
A Match Poised: Day Three Awaits
With 28 wickets falling in just two days, the WTC final has been a captivating battle between bat and ball. Both captains acknowledged the challenging conditions and the quality of bowling from both sides. While Australia will be hoping for a few more runs from their remaining two wickets, the stage is set for a thrilling third day, with the World Test Championship mace still very much up for grabs.
