Credit: ICC
The second day of the World Test Championship (WTC) final between South Africa and Australia at Lords turned out to be an interesting one. In reply to Australia’s 212 runs, South Africa were bowled out for 138 runs trailing by 74 runs in the first innings, Despite getting a lead, Australia failed to convert it into a bigger one as they finished day two on 144/8 leading by 218 runs.
Starting the day with 43/4, skipper Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham went on to put up a partnership of 64 runs as South Africa were looking to get closer to South Africa’s total. However, Australian skipper Pat Cummins took charge and registered figures of 6/28 as the defending champions took a lead of 74 runs in the first innings. For the Proteas, Bavuma scored 36(84) runs while David Bedingham top scored with 45 runs off 111 balls. Apart from that, none of the South African batters could stay at the crease for long.
Alex Carey scores 43 as Australia collapse in second innings.
After taking a lead of 74 runs, Australia were looking to make it a big one and set a tough target for South Africa in the WTC Final. However, the Australian top-order completely collapsed in front of the Proteas’ fast bowling line up. After adding 28 runs for the first in 10.2 overs, Australia lost their first wicket in the form of Usman Khawaja (6 off 28) as Kagiso Rabada struck first for South Africa. After a couple of deliveries, Rabada struck against and dismissed Cameron Green for a two-ball duck.
After that, Australia went on to lose wickets at regular intervals and were reduced to 73/7. After that, Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc added 61 runs for the eighth wicket. Carey got out after scoring 43(50) runs hitting five boundaries. Australia finished the day at 144 runs for the loss of eight wickets with Starc and Nathan Lyon at the crease. For the Proteas, Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada took three wickets each, while Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen scalped a wicket each.
