WTC Final: Australia Leads South Africa by 218 Runs After Dramatic Day Two at Lord’s

Australia leads South Africa by 218 runs after the second day of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s.

South Africa were bowled out for 138 runs in their first innings, with Pat Cummins taking an impressive six wickets for 28 runs. Australia had a first-innings lead of 74 runs.

In Australia’s second innings, they faced a tough challenge as South African bowlers Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada struck early to reduce Australia to 73 for 7.

However, a resilient partnership of 61 runs between Alex Carey, who scored 43, and Mitchell Starc helped Australia recover to 144 for 8 at the stumps. Starc was dropped late in the day, which could prove significant.

Australia thus consolidated a total lead of 218 runs going into Day 3. South Africa also wasted both of their DRS reviews during the day.

The pitch has been challenging, with 14 wickets falling on Day 2 alone, and the match remains finely poised.

Day One Summary:

• Match start: The ICC World Test Championship final kicked off at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground with Australia winning the toss and electing to bat first on June 11.

• Australia’s innings: Australia had a solid start, building a strong foundation with their top order. David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne provided a steady opening partnership.

• Key performances: Marnus Labuschagne was the standout performer for Australia, scoring a well-crafted half-century. The Australian innings was marked by disciplined batting against a probing South African bowling attack led by Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje.

• South Africa’s bowling: South Africa bowled tightly, creating pressure with disciplined line and length. Kagiso Rabada took early wickets, but Australia’s middle order held firm.

• End of Day 1: Australia finished the day at a healthy 148 for 5, setting a solid platform for the rest of the match. The pitch looked balanced, offering some assistance to bowlers but generally favoring batsmen.