Australia’s clash with South Africa in the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s has turned into an absolute belter – and not because of the batting. Across two madcap days in London, chaos reigned. Swirling clouds, blazing sun, a pitch that wasn’t a minefield, and some of the best fast bowling you’ll ever see left even the most seasoned experts scratching their heads.
After skittling South Africa for a measly 138, Australia went from cruising to crumbling, ending Day 2 at 8/144 – a lead of 218 but hanging by a thread. And the question everyone’s asking: what the hell is going on at the Home of Cricket?
Lord’s Turns Into A Bowler’s Playground
Former Kiwi gloveman and Fox Cricket regular Ian Smith put it best: “It is just bamboozling.” Batters from both sides, including seasoned pros like Steve Smith and Temba Bavuma, have looked completely at sea. South Africa folded like a deck of cards on Day 2, then turned around and did the same to Australia.
But here’s the kicker – the ball hasn’t even done that much. “It’s not hooping, it’s not jagging off the seam,” Kevin Pietersen said in commentary. “The pitch hasn’t misbehaved. It’s just seriously good bowling.”
Kagiso Rabada and Pat Cummins have put on a masterclass in hostile, intelligent fast bowling. Rabada, as fierce and clinical as ever, moved past Allan Donald in South Africa’s all-time Test wicket tally with a five-for. Cummins, meanwhile, produced arguably the spell of his captaincy career – and one that had everyone in awe.
Cummins Delivers a Statement — and a Milestone
The Australian skipper had one of those spells. Just after lunch, he tore through South Africa’s middle and lower order like a hot knife through butter. He removed Kyle Verreynne lbw, then snapped up Marco Jansen for a golden duck with a sharp caught-and-bowled. When he sent Bedingham packing, it was his ninth five-wicket haul as captain – matching Richie Benaud and just three behind Imran Khan.
Then came the landmark. Cummins dismissed Rabada to notch his 300th Test scalp – the first Aussie to do so since Mitchell Starc, and just the 400th player in history to hit the mark.
For those who remember, Cummins debuted in 2011 against these very opponents and also took six wickets. But injury setbacks meant he didn’t play again in the baggy green for another six years. From part-time uni student to frontline warrior, the investment in his comeback has paid off tenfold.
Now, he’s not only Australia’s most reliable quick but arguably the best fast bowling skipper since Bob Willis. His 6/28 was the best by a captain at Lord’s in 40 years.
Batting Struggles: Technique or Mental Toll?
With batting collapses across both innings, questions abound. Why is it so hard out there?
Nasser Hussain and Ravi Shastri each offered theories. Shastri reckoned the lights played a part – wickets consistently fell under artificial lighting. Hussain, meanwhile, highlighted the relentless accuracy of the bowlers. “It’s not about the pitch doing crazy things. It’s about elite execution under pressure.”
Even David Bedingham acknowledged that the slope at Lord’s can mess with batters' heads. When bowlers like Cummins and Rabada get it right both ways off the slope, even top-tier batters are in trouble.
Marnus Makes His Mark (Without the Bat)
While Marnus Labuschagne’s form with the bat has raised eyebrows lately, his fielding has been next level. On Day 2, with South Africa fighting back, it was Labuschagne who turned the tide with a diving grab to dismiss Bavuma – a momentum-shifting moment that had commentators raving.
Nasser Hussain compared him to a goalkeeper anticipating a penalty, always crouched, always ready. Matthew Hayden echoed the praise, calling Labuschagne “a bloke who just wants to be in the thick of it.” That’s the kind of energy that matters in tight contests like this.
Proteas Show Fight — But It’s Too Late?
South Africa’s batting intent was clearly better in the second innings. Bavuma and Bedingham combined for a 64-run partnership, and for a while, they looked like they might pull the Proteas back into the contest. Bavuma even launched Cummins for the first six of the match.
But the fight fizzled after lunch. Cummins broke through, the middle order folded, and the lower order barely wagged.
Still, Stuart Broad – working behind the scenes as a consultant – said the change in mindset was evident. “You can see the coaches have had a word. There was more pressure on the bowlers,” he said on Sky Sports.
But in a low-scoring Test, you don’t get many second chances.
Rabada’s Influence Spurs Proteas Revival
On Day 1, there was a clear gap between Rabada and the rest of the South African attack. Marco Jansen looked threatening, but Ngidi and Mulder struggled.
That changed dramatically on Day 2. Ngidi, in particular, bowled with venom after tea, removing Steve Smith and Beau Webster in quick succession. He even cleaned up Cummins to keep South Africa’s hopes alive.
So what changed? Maybe it was Rabada’s lighthearted advice the night before: “Have a nice steak, a milkshake, and a movie.” Whatever the recipe, it worked.
Ngidi admitted nerves after tea but said he found rhythm quickly. “Once it clicked, I just kept going.”
No-Balls Could Cost South Africa Dearly
In a Test where every run is gold, South Africa’s discipline with the front foot could be their undoing. They bowled 10 no-balls in the first innings and already had nine more by stumps on Day 2.
Wiaan Mulder was the worst offender, overstepping five times in just 11 overs. Rabada, too, pushed the limits late in the day trying to mop up the Aussie tail.
In contrast, Australia has bowled just two no-balls in the match.
Former Aussie player Mel Jones summed it up: “In a low-scoring match like this, a handful of runs can make all the difference. Those no-balls could come back to haunt them.”
What Comes Next?
With Day 3 traditionally the best day to bat at Lord’s, all eyes will be on Australia’s final two wickets and whether they can stretch the lead beyond 250. That could prove decisive given the quality of their bowling attack.
But don’t write off the Proteas just yet. Rabada and Ngidi have their tails up, and if South Africa can keep the chase under 230, it’s game on.
Still, this match has Pat Cummins’ fingerprints all over it. His timing, instincts, and brilliance with the ball may yet drag Australia to another World Test Championship crown.
One thing’s for sure — this final won’t last the distance. And if Day 3 is anything like the first two, expect more twists, more magic, and probably a few more blokes wondering how they got out yet again.
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Mitchell
Mitchell is a seasoned Ph.D. scholar with extensive expertise gained through years of rigorous research, publication, and teaching experience. He brings a wealth of knowledge and analytical skills to tackle complex academic challenges. His work is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions, advancing knowledge, and promoting academic excellence. Proficient in research methodology, data analysis, and scholarly writing, Mitchell has contributed to peer-reviewed journals and mentored students to achieve academic success.
