The ICC World Test Championship final witnessed a dominant display by Australia on the second day. Pacer Pat Cummins made history with a six-wicket haul, while Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc’s crucial partnership helped their team recover from a batting collapse.
Cummins’ remarkable performance included 6 wickets for 28 runs in 18.1 overs. He became the joint-second bowler to take five-wicket hauls as a captain in Tests, achieving this feat for the ninth time.Cummins also reached a personal milestone, completing 300 Test wickets to become the eighth Australian bowler to do so.
Australia’s second innings was in shambles, with the team losing 7 wickets for 73 runs. However, Carey and Starc’s 61-run partnership for the eighth wicket helped stabilize the innings. Carey scored 43 runs before being dismissed by Kagiso Rabada, while Starc remained unbeaten on 16.
The South African bowlers, particularly Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, had a successful day, taking 3 wickets each. Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder claimed 1 wicket each. The pitch has become slower, making it challenging for batsmen to score runs.
As day two came to a close, Australia’s score stood at 144/8, with a lead of 218 runs. The South African team will look to wrap up the remaining wickets quickly on day three.
Key Performances
- Pat Cummins: 6 wickets for 28 runs in 18.1 overs
- Alex Carey: 43 runs in the second innings
- Mitchell Starc: 16 runs unbeaten in the second innings
- Kagiso Rabada: 3 wickets in the second innings
- Lungi Ngidi: 3 wickets in the second innings
Match Status
Australia leads by 218 runs with 2 wickets remaining in the second innings. The match is poised for an exciting third day, with South Africa looking to restrict Australia’s lead and make a strong comeback.