Pat Cummins delivered a masterclass of fast bowling, ripping through South Africa's middle order on day two of the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's. His stunning spell of 6-28 helped Australia secure a crucial first-innings lead. The Proteas were bundled out for just 138, giving Australia a 74-run advantage.
Cummins Reaches Milestone, Labuschagne Anchors Australia
Cummins' performance was not only pivotal for Australia but also marked a personal milestone. He claimed his 300th Test wicket, becoming only the eighth Australian to achieve this feat. "It’s way more than I could have asked for," Cummins said. "For any fast bowler, 300 is a big number. It means you’ve battled a few injuries and niggles and got through it. Pretty happy."
Bavuma's Bizarre Dismissal
Earlier in the day, South Africa showed more intent, with captain Temba Bavuma hitting some aggressive shots. A controversial moment occurred when Bavuma was seemingly trapped LBW by Josh Hazlewood. However, Snicko revealed a spike, indicating the ball had nicked the bat, much to Bavuma's surprise. He and David Bedingham had forged a resilient 64-run partnership.
At tea, Australia were 2-32, extending their lead to 106 runs. Marnus Labuschagne (16*) and Steve Smith (4*) are currently at the crease, aiming to build a formidable total for the Aussies.
WTC Final: Key Moments
- Cummins' incredible bowling figures of 6-28
- Cummins taking his 300th test wicket
- South Africa's collapse in the face of Cummins' attack
- Labuschagne's steady innings
- The controversial Bavuma dismissal
Stay tuned for more updates from the WTC Final!