WTC Final 2025 Day 2: Cummins’ 6-Wicket Brilliance, Carey Holds Fort as Aussies Take 218-Run Lead

The second day of the World Test Championship Final 2025 at Lord’s turned into a rollercoaster, with Australia and South Africa trading fierce blows. It was a day for the bowlers once again, but one man stood tall—Pat Cummins, who delivered a historic performance with the ball.

After posting 212 in the first innings, Australia came out fired up. Captain Cummins led from the front, taking 6 wickets for just 28 runs, dismantling South Africa’s batting line-up for 138. His milestone 300th Test wicket came during this spell, making him the first Australian captain to achieve a six-wicket haul in an ICC final and at Lord’s. Cummins’ relentless line and length choked South Africa’s middle order, giving his side a vital 74-run first-innings lead.

However, South Africa weren’t done yet. They came back hard in Australia’s second innings. Lungi Ngidi (3/35) and Kagiso Rabada (3/44) tore through the top and middle order, reducing Australia to 73/7, raising hopes for a Proteas fightback.

But wicketkeeper Alex Carey (43) and Mitchell Starc (16)* steadied the ship with a crucial 61-run stand for the 8th wicket, frustrating South Africa in the final session. At stumps, Australia finished Day 2 on 144/8, extending their lead to 218 runs.

Day 2 Score Summary:

• Australia 1st Innings: 212 all out
• South Africa 1st Innings: 138 all out
• Australia 2nd Innings: 144/8 (Lead by 218 runs)
  • Carey 43, Starc 16*
  • Ngidi 3/35, Rabada 3/44
  • Cummins 6/28 (SA innings)

With just two wickets in hand, Australia will aim to push the lead beyond 250. South Africa, despite being behind, have a real chance if they can wrap up the tail early. Day 3 could decide the fate of this thrilling WTC Final 2025.