WTC Final 2025 Day 2 Australia Lead by 218 Run Rabada Strikes Back
1. Introduction – A Pacer-Dominated Battle at Lord’s
Day 2 of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s continued to live up to its billing as a fast bowler’s paradise. With bounce, seam, and intensity, both teams fought tooth and nail to gain the upper hand. By the end of the day, Australia were reeling at 144/8 but still held a significant lead of 218 runs, thanks to Pat Cummins’ bowling heroics and gritty batting performances.
2. South Africa Collapse to 138 – Cummins Shines Bright
Resuming on 43/4 after a disastrous end to Day 1, South Africa never really recovered. Pat Cummins led the charge with a sensational spell of 6/28, dismantling the Proteas middle and lower order. The Aussie skipper maintained a relentless line and length, exploiting the Lord’s slope and late movement with clinical precision.
South Africa folded for just 138 runs, trailing by 74 in the first innings. None of the Proteas batters crossed 30, with Temba Bavuma’s 27 being the highest. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood provided excellent support to Cummins, ensuring there were no escape routes for the batting side.
3. Rabada and Ngidi Respond with Fire
Facing a slim but tricky deficit, South Africa responded with fire in their pace attack. Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi were relentless, using the conditions beautifully and generating sharp bounce and movement. Rabada picked up 3 key wickets, while Ngidi also bagged 3 wickets, ripping through Australia’s top and middle order.
At one stage, Australia were reduced to 92/6, and it seemed like South Africa might get into a position of control. However, Australia’s lower order, led by Pat Cummins once again, fought back to push the lead past 200.
4. Smith and Webster Steady the Innings
With wickets tumbling around him, Steve Smith once again stood as Australia’s pillar. His fluent 66 off 98 balls was a masterclass in resilience and shot selection in testing conditions. Partnering him was Beau Webster, who showcased his temperament with a gritty 72, guiding the Aussies from a position of concern to one of control.
Both batters rotated the strike smartly and capitalized on any loose deliveries. Their 98-run stand for the fifth wicket helped stretch the lead and push South Africa onto the back foot.
5. South Africa’s Missed Opportunities
South Africa would rue several missed chances during Australia’s second innings. A couple of close LBW calls, a dropped catch, and some questionable field placements allowed Australia to sneak out of tough spots.
While the Proteas were aggressive and disciplined in bursts, their inability to finish off the innings cleanly cost them dearly as the lead kept swelling.
6. Lower Order Frustrates Again
Despite losing top and middle order wickets quickly, the Australian lower order showed fight. Pat Cummins, already having taken six wickets, chipped in with a useful 25*. Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon also stuck around, frustrating the Proteas attack.
Australia’s ability to extract runs from their tail has been a theme in big matches, and once again, it came in handy at the grandest stage.
7. Match Situation: Australia Lead by 218
At stumps on Day 2, Australia stood at 144/8, with a lead of 218 runs. On a surface that’s offering consistent help to fast bowlers, this is already a daunting lead. South Africa will have to bat out of their skin to chase anything over 250 in the fourth innings at Lord’s.
With two wickets in hand and Cummins still at the crease, Australia will aim to stretch the lead to 250+ on Day 3 — which could very well prove to be match-winning.
8. Bowlers Take Center Stage at Lord’s
This Test has been an absolute showcase for the art of fast bowling. With swing, seam, bounce, and discipline, bowlers from both sides have taken center stage. Cummins and Rabada have led the pack with skill and aggression, while Ngidi, Starc, and Hazlewood have all played pivotal roles.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Smashes 190 in U19 Warm Up Ahead of England Tour
The average first-innings score at Lord’s over the years hovers around 320, but in this Test, we have already seen three innings under 220, showing just how spicy the conditions have been.
9. What Lies Ahead on Day 3?
With Australia already ahead by over 200, Day 3 will be pivotal. If South Africa can clean up the remaining two wickets quickly and then post a solid batting display, they can claw their way back into the contest.
However, if Australia manage to stretch their lead to 250 or more and take early wickets again, South Africa could be staring down a massive defeat in the final.
10. Conclusion – A Final for the Fast Bowlers
Two days into the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, this contest has been all about the fast bowlers. Cummins’ 6-wicket haul, Rabada’s pace spells, and Steve Smith’s gritty knock have stood out. But it’s far from over. With a lead of 218 and two wickets still in hand, Australia hold the upper hand — but only just.
Expect another thrilling day of high-quality Test cricket at Lord’s on Day 3.
