• Home
  • Match Hub
  • Cummins 6 Fer Packs Proteas Early On Day 2 Ngidi Rabada Hit Back To Cripple Australia

Cummins' 6-Fer Packs Proteas Early On Day 2; Ngidi, Rabada Hit Back To Cripple Australia

Soumyajit Dutta

Pat Cummins and Lungi Ngidi [Source: @ICC/X.com]Pat Cummins and Lungi Ngidi [Source: @ICC/X.com]

Australia, so far, looks in somewhat of control of the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s as they extended their lead to 218 runs by stumps on Day 2. South Africa, resuming on 43/4, were bowled out for 138 in their first innings, courtesy of Pat Cummins' fiery six-wicket haul. Australia then batted again and reached 144/8 at the end of the day’s play.

With actions swinging in full flow at the WTC Final, let's take a look at how things panned out on Day 2.

Pat Cummins Bags 6 To Dismantle South Africa Early

South Africa’s innings never really recovered from the early blows. After the losses on Day 1, skipper Temba Bavuma (36) and David Bedingham (45) fought hard with a crucial 64-run stand for the fifth wicket. Bavuma looked composed before falling to Pat Cummins after getting a start. Bedingham showed resistance, but once he edged to Carey off Cummins, the tail folded quickly.

Pat Cummins finished with outstanding figures of 6/28 in 18.1 overs. Mitchell Starc chipped in with two wickets while Hazlewood and Lyon kept the pressure tight. South Africa was dismissed in just 57.1 overs, trailing by 74 runs in the first innings.

Australia Starts Shakily As Ngidi & Rabada Hunts

Australia’s second innings began shakily with Usman Khawaja (6) and Cameron Green (0) departing early to Kagiso Rabada. Marnus Labuschagne (22) and Steve Smith (13) showed some intent but neither could convert their start. Lungi Ngidi struck twice in quick succession to remove Smith and Beau Webster (9), while Wiaan Mulder castled Travis Head (9).

At 73/7, Australia looked in trouble. But Alex Carey played a counter-attacking innings, scoring 43 off 50 balls with five boundaries. He stitched a valuable 61-run partnership with Mitchell Starc (16*), who held his ground till stumps alongside Nathan Lyon (1*).

Proteas' Chances And Day 3 Outlook

Kagiso Rabada (3/44) and Lungi Ngidi (3/35) were the pick of the bowlers for South Africa, while Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder took one apiece. Australia ended Day 2 at 144/8 in 40 overs, extending their lead to a solid 218 runs. 

With two wickets still in hand and the pitch starting to show signs of uneven bounce, South Africa faces an uphill battle going into Day 3 as chasing a total of 200+ is not a good omen for the Proteas, especially after their first innings tumble.