The World Test Championship final entered its third day today at Lord’s, with Australia holding a commanding 216-run lead after two intense days of action dominated by bowlers.
South Africa began yesterday’s play at 43 for 4 in response to Australia’s first-innings total of 212, but their hopes of a solid recovery were quickly dashed by relentless Australian bowling. The Proteas were bowled out for 138, with David Bedingham top-scoring with 45.
Australian captain Pat Cummins led from the front, claiming 6 wickets for just 28 runs in a devastating spell.
In their second innings, however, Australia also struggled against disciplined South African bowling. At stumps on day two, they were 144 for 8, with Alex Carey contributing 43 runs.
Remarkably, a total of 28 wickets have fallen across the two days, with each team claiming 14 – a clear sign of the challenging conditions at Lord’s.
Australia, now 216 runs ahead, will look to extend their lead today before attempting to bowl South Africa out once more. The third day of play is scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM Sri Lanka time.
