A fiery post-lunch spell from Pat Cummins turned the tide in Australia’s favour on Day 2 of the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s, as South Africa were bundled out for just 138 in response to Australia’s 212. Cummins ripped through the middle and lower order to return career-best Lord’s figures of 6 for 28, handing his side a crucial 74-run lead.
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Resuming at 121/5 after a rain delay, South Africa collapsed spectacularly. Cummins struck twice in a single over—first trapping Kyle Verreynne LBW after a successful review, then dismissing Marco Jansen with a return catch. He went on to claim his 300th Test wicket by removing Rabada with a sharp short ball, becoming the first captain since Daniel Vettori in 2008 to take a five-wicket haul at Lord’s.
David Bedingham’s resilient 45 was the only highlight in a struggling South African innings, which fell apart after Temba Bavuma’s promising start ended with a sharp catch by Marnus Labuschagne just before lunch.
In their second innings, Australia lost Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green—both to Kagiso Rabada—but reached 32/2 at Tea, extending their lead to 106 runs. With the pitch offering variable bounce and Cummins in top form, Australia hold the upper hand heading into the final session.