June 13, 2025 - Bowlers dominated Day 2 of the second day of the World Test Championship (WTC) final being played at the historic Lord's cricket ground. Australian captain Pat Cummins' deadly bowling ended South Africa's first innings at just 138 runs. In reply, Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada troubled the Australian batsmen and pushed them on the back foot.

Just like the first day, 14 wickets fell on the second day as well. By the end of the day's play, Australia had scored 144 runs for the loss of eight wickets and extended their lead to 218 runs. Mitchell Starc (16) and Nathan Lyon (1) were at the crease.

Three days of play are still left, but with the pitch strongly supporting fast bowlers, the result could come as early as today, June 13.

Cummins's Magic

Captain Cummins created history with his deadly bowling on the second day. He took six wickets and gave Australia a crucial lead of 74 runs. David Bedingham scored the highest 45 runs for South Africa, who were all out in just 57.1 overs. Captain Temba Bavuma made 36 runs, but apart from these two, no batsman could stand against the Australian bowlers.

Cummins bowled 18.1 overs and completed 300 Test wickets in his career with this six-wicket haul. He became the first fast bowler captain after 1982 to take five wickets in a Test match at Lord's. His name will now be written on the Lord’s famous 'Honours Board'. Cummins is also the eighth Australian bowler to reach 300 Test wickets. He was well supported by Mitchell Starc (2/41) and Josh Hazlewood (1/27).

Collapse After Lunch

After the lunch break, South African batters completely surrendered. Cummins trapped Kyle Verreynne LBW and then dismissed Marco Jansen by getting him caught. He got Bedingham caught behind for his fifth wicket.

After that, Keshav Maharaj was run out and finally, Cummins got Rabada caught at deep midwicket to complete his sixth wicket. South Africa lost their last five wickets for just 18 runs. Cummins became only the fourth captain to take five wickets in a Test at Lord’s.

Ngidi and Rabada Fight Back

After gaining a first-innings lead, Australia had a poor start with the bat. Rabada, who took five wickets on Day 1, struck again, removing Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green before tea. Then Lungi Ngidi destroyed Australia's middle order. He dismissed Steve Smith, Beau Webster (both of whom scored fifties in the first innings), and also removed Cummins.

Marnus Labuschagne, who is struggling with form, was dismissed by Jansen, and Wiaan Mulder bowled Travis Head. Australia lost 7 wickets for just 73 runs. But Alex Carey (43) and Starc (16* not out) built a crucial 61-run partnership for the eighth wicket, taking the lead past 200.

Bedingham and Bavuma Stabilise South Africa

South Africa had lost four wickets for just 43 runs on Day 1 and were in deep trouble. On Day 2, Bavuma and Bedingham added a much-needed 64-run partnership for the fifth wicket. By lunch, South Africa had lost only one more wicket.

In the 24th over, Bavuma hit two fours off Starc to take the team’s score past 50. Bedingham also hit a four in the 27th over. In the next over, Bavuma was given LBW to a delivery from Hazlewood, but he survived due to a successful review – UltraEdge showed a spike.

The pair completed their 50-run stand in the 34th over. However, Cummins soon dismissed Bavuma with a brilliant delivery, caught by Labuschagne in the covers. Bavuma scored 36 runs in 84 balls with four fours and a six. After that, Kyle Verreynne joined Bedingham to take the innings forward – but their stand didn’t last long.