Key Points

Pat Cummins delivered a masterclass in fast bowling, taking 6/28 to dismantle South Africa for just 138. His spell included his 300th Test wicket, making it a historic performance. Australia extended their lead to 106 despite early wickets from Kagiso Rabada. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the innings heading into the final session.

Key Points: Pat Cummins Takes 6/28 as Australia Dominate South Africa in WTC Final

  • Pat Cummins takes career-best 6/28, including 300th Test wicket
  • South Africa collapse from 121/5 to 138 all out
  • Australia extend lead to 106 despite Rabada's double strike
  • Smith and Labuschagne steady innings at Tea
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WTC Final: At Tea, Australia lead by 106 after bowling out South Africa for 138; Cummins stars with 6/28

Cummins claims historic 6-wicket haul, Australia lead by 106 at Tea on Day 2 after bowling out South Africa for 138 in WTC final.

"Cummins' spell was simply unplayable, dismantling South Africa's resistance with precision. – Match Analyst"

London June 12

After a ruthless bowling display that saw South Africa bowled out for just 138, Australia went into Tea at 32/2, holding a 106-run lead on Day 2 of the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's on Thursday.

Captain Pat Cummins was the star of the session, producing a spell for the ages as he claimed 6/28, the best bowling figures by a captain in Test history at Lord's. Cummins' effort not only dismantled the Proteas' lower order but also brought up his 300th Test wicket, making the moment even more special.

South Africa resumed the second session at 121/5, but the innings unravelled rapidly. Cummins struck early after Lunch, trapping Kyle Verreynne LBW for 13. He followed it up with a sharp return catch to dismiss Marco Jansen for a duck.

Cummins completed his five-wicket haul by removing the dogged David Bedingham, who top-scored for South Africa with a gritty 45 off 111 deliveries. The Proteas slumped to 135/8 at that point.

Keshav Maharaj was run out for 7 and the final wicket came fittingly from Cummins again, who dismissed Kagiso Rabada for 1 to close the innings at 138.

Other contributors with the ball for Australia included Mitchell Starc (2/41) and Josh Hazlewood (1/27).

In reply, the Australian second innings began cautiously but suffered early setbacks. Kagiso Rabada, who had claimed a five-wicket haul in the first innings, struck twice again in the second. He removed Usman Khawaja for 6 and Cameron Green for a duck and finished the session with 2/15.

At Tea, Steve Smith, fresh off a vital fifty in the first innings and known for his stellar record at Lord's, is unbeaten on 4 (2). He is with Marnus Labuschagne, who held firm on 16.

Brief scores: Australia 212 all out & 32/2 (Marnus Labuschagne 16, Usman Khawaja ; Kagiso Rabada 2/15) vs South Africa 138 all out (David Bedingham 45, Temba Bavuma 36; Pat Cummins 6/28).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 authentic Indian perspective comments for the WTC Final article:
R
Rahul K.
Cummins showing why he's the best test bowler in the world right now! 6/28 at Lord's is legendary stuff. But as an Indian fan, can't help but think what might have been if we had qualified... Rohit & Virat would've handled this attack better than SA batsmen! 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
South Africa's batting collapse is shocking! 138 all out in a WTC final? They're making Australia look like 2000s Australia again. Rabada's bowling is the only silver lining. Hope they put up a fight in 2nd innings or this will be over in 3 days 😬
A
Arjun S.
Watching Cummins bowl is pure art! That seam position, the control, the variations - reminds me of Kapil Dev in his prime. But honestly, test cricket needs more competitive matches. This one-sided affair is bad for the format. ICC should rethink the WTC format.
S
Sneha R.
As much as I enjoy watching Australia dominate, I miss seeing India in these big matches. BCCI really needs to sort out our overseas test performances. We have the talent but keep faltering in crucial matches. Hope we come back stronger next cycle! 💪
V
Vikram J.
That run out of Maharaj sums up SA's day - complete brain fade! At this level, such mistakes are unacceptable. Meanwhile, Smith at Lord's again... the man loves this ground. Australia might declare by tomorrow lunch at this rate.
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Neha P.
Test cricket at its best! Bowling dominating batting, just like the old days. But honestly, where are the fans? Empty stands at Lord's for WTC final is disappointing. Maybe ICC should consider hosting in countries where test cricket is still loved - like India or England.

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