• As South Africa clawed their way back into the game on Day 2 of WTC Final, Alex Carey helps Australia to wrestle back some control.

  • With Australia holding a lead slightly above 200 and only a couple of wickets in hand, the Test is delicately balanced.

Fans erupt as Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi rattle Aussie top order before Alex Carey fightbacks on Day 2 of WTC 2025 Final
An eventful Day 2 of WTC Final ends (Image Source: X)

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The World Test Championship 2025 Final is living up to the billing of a high-stakes thriller, and Day 2 only added more spice to an already riveting contest. In yet another bowler-dominated day at Lord’s, 14 wickets fell — mirroring Day 1 — as South Africa clawed their way back into the game through fiery spells from Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, only for Australia to wrestle back some control thanks to a gritty counterattack from Alex Carey.

Pat Cummins sets the tone with a stunning spell

Australia resumed the day with South Africa five down in their first innings, and skipper Pat Cummins wasted no time in stamping his authority. Starting with the key breakthrough of Temba Bavuma, who looked set to anchor the innings, Cummins ran through the lower order with precision and aggression. His 4-wicket burst after lunch helped bowl out the Proteas for just 138, giving Australia a handy 74-run lead.

The right-arm quick mixed seam movement with clever angles, removing well-set players and tailenders alike. South Africa’s lower order offered little resistance, and the Aussies walked off with momentum and advantage.

Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi turn the heat back on Australia

But the Proteas weren’t done yet. After a cautious start by Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne — who added 28 runs in a slow but solid opening stand — Rabada roared back into the contest. He dismissed both Khawaja and Cameron Green in the same over, flipping the script dramatically.

Ngidi, who looked off-colour in the first innings, found his rhythm just in time. He struck gold by removing Steve Smith — a key dismissal — and then followed it up with the scalp of Cummins. Suddenly, Australia had crumbled from 28/0 to 73/7, and South Africa were firmly back in contention.

Also WATCH: WTC Final 2025 – Kagiso Rabada dismisses Cameron Green with a jaffa on Day 2 of SA vs AUS clash

Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc provide late resistance

Amid the collapse, wicketkeeper-batter Carey showed immense composure under pressure. Unfazed by the fall of wickets around him, Carey stitched a critical 61-run stand with Mitchell Starc. His knock was a blend of caution and counterpunch, taking calculated risks to ensure Australia crossed the 200-run mark in terms of overall lead.

Starc too played his part well, surviving some nervy moments, including a crucial dropped catch in the final over of the day. South Africa’s frustration grew not just due to missed chances, but also due to discipline issues — with Rabada and Marco Jansen collectively overstepping eight times in the innings.

With Australia holding a lead slightly above 200 and only a couple of wickets in hand, the Test is delicately balanced. The pitch continues to offer seam and bounce, making batting a tough ask. Both teams have had their moments, and Day 3 could very well decide the fate of the WTC crown.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also WATCH: Pat Cummins’ stunning caught and bowled gets rid of Marco Jansen on Day 2 of WTC 2025 Final – SA vs AUS

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