Australia lead by 106 at tea after bowling out South Africa for 138

Australia went into Tea on Day 2 of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s at 32/2 in their second innings, holding a commanding 106-run lead, after a relentless bowling performance that saw South Africa bundled out for a paltry 138.

Leading from the front, Australian skipper Pat Cummins produced a spell of sheer brilliance, finishing with exceptional figures of six for 28, the best-ever bowling figures by a captain in a Test match at the historic venue. His efforts not only devastated South Africa’s lower order but also marked a personal milestone, as he reached the landmark of 300 Test wickets.

South Africa resumed the post-lunch session precariously placed at 121/5. However, their innings unraveled swiftly under sustained pressure. Cummins wasted little time, trapping Kyle Verreynne leg-before for 13 with a sharp in-swinger. Just three deliveries later, he completed a smart return catch to dismiss Marco Jansen for a duck.

The relentless Australian skipper then removed the resilient David Bedingham, South Africa’s top-scorer, for a hard-fought 45 off 111 balls, thereby sealing his five-wicket haul. The Proteas’ resistance crumbled further when Keshav Maharaj was run out for seven following a mix-up. Cummins fittingly concluded the innings by dismissing Kagiso Rabada for 1, bringing the total to a modest 138 and Australia’s lead to 74.

Mitchell Starc (2/41) and Josh Hazlewood (1/27) also chipped in with vital breakthroughs, supporting Cummins in a clinical bowling performance.

Australia’s second innings began with a cautious approach, but early breakthroughs from Kagiso Rabada kept South Africa’s hopes flickering. Rabada, fresh from his five-wicket haul in the first innings, continued to make an impact. He dismissed Usman Khawaja for 6 with a sharp delivery and then removed Cameron Green for a duck, pegging Australia back momentarily. Rabada returned figures of 2 for 15 by the interval.

At the Tea break, Steve Smith, who had earlier compiled a crucial half-century in the first innings, remained unbeaten on 4 from just 2 balls. At the other end, Marnus Labuschagne held firm with a watchful 16*, anchoring the innings and ensuring Australia retained the upper hand going into the final session.

Brief scores:

Australia: 212 all out & 32/2 (Marnus Labuschagne 16*, Steve Smith 4*; Kagiso Rabada 2/15)
South Africa: 138 all out (David Bedingham 45, Temba Bavuma 36; Pat Cummins 6/28, Starc 2/41)

(With ANI inputs)

This article first appeared on Mid Day