The second day of the World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s was a bowler’s paradise. Australia’s batting lineup was torn apart, but they managed to stage a recovery. At the end of the day’s play, Australia had lost eight wickets for 144 runs. Mitchell Starc was unbeaten on 16, and Nathan Lyon was on 1.
Earlier, Australia’s top order had crumbled, losing six wickets for just 66 runs. It seemed like they would be bowled out for under 100, but a 61-run partnership between Alex Carey and Starc for the seventh wicket helped them cross the 100-run mark. Australia now has a lead of 218 runs. They had gained a 74-run lead in the first innings.
South Africa’s Bowling Effort
Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi took three wickets each for South Africa, while Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder claimed one wicket each.
First Innings Recap
South Africa’s first innings had ended at 138. On the first day, they were reeling at 30 for four, but a 64-run stand between Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham had helped them recover. However, once they were dismissed, the rest of the batting lineup collapsed. Bavuma scored 36, and Bedingham made 45. For Australia, captain Pat Cummins took six wickets, Starc claimed two, and Josh Hazlewood got one.
On the first day, South Africa had won the toss and chosen to bowl. Rabada’s five-wicket haul and Jansen’s three wickets had restricted Australia to 212 in the first innings. Beau Webster had top-scored with 72, and Steve Smith made 66.