The stage is perfectly set at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, where the World Test Championship Final continues to deliver a classic. After a resilient and impactful lower-order performance from Australia’s captain Pat Cummins helped his side claw their way to a competitive first-innings total, South Africa’s fiery pace battery responded with equal vigour, ensuring Day 3 promises a gripping battle for supremacy in the Ultimate Test.
Pat Cummins, ever the warrior, once again showcased why he remains one of world cricket’s most influential all-format players. With Australia wobbling at a precarious stage on Day 2, Cummins produced a counter-attacking gem of an innings, blending composure with timely aggression. His unbeaten knock, laced with crisp drives and brave pulls, shifted momentum just when South Africa looked poised to clean up the tail. Cummins’ effort ensured Australia crossed the 300-run mark—an achievement that might prove vital in a low-scoring contest.
But the Proteas weren’t going to let the day be remembered for Cummins alone.
When it was their turn to bowl, South Africa’s pace trio of Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Anrich Nortje turned up the intensity under the famous Lord’s balcony. The trio hit the right lengths from the outset, using the fresh Dukes ball to extract zip off the seam and subtle movement through the air. Australia’s top order was made to earn every run, with edges falling short, batsmen beaten on both sides, and pressure mounting with every over.
It was Jansen, in particular, who stood out. Bowling with venom and purpose, the tall left-armer got the ball to angle in and then straighten—a nightmare for any right-handed batter. He struck early, removing David Warner with a delivery that lifted sharply and caught the outside edge. Rabada followed with a fiery spell, unsettling Marnus Labuschagne with short balls before trapping him in front with a full one. Nortje, bowling with raw pace, made sure no batter settled, beating the bat repeatedly and rushing them on the back foot.
The energy from the Proteas was palpable. Every wicket was met with roaring celebrations, and their body language told a story of belief—belief that they could wrestle back control even after Cummins’ momentum-shifting stand.
By the time stumps were drawn on Day 2, the match had firmly shifted into “edge-of-your-seat” territory. Australia held a slender lead, but with key batters back in the hut and South Africa’s bowlers breathing fire, Day 3 promises to be a battle of attrition and nerve. The contest is finely poised, and both teams will know the morning session could tilt the entire match.
The contrasting styles of the two sides—Australia’s measured resilience versus South Africa’s raw pace and aggression—have clashed beautifully over two days, and now, with the conditions offering just enough to keep bowlers interested, it’s a test of discipline, strategy, and execution.
With Pat Cummins having delivered with bat in hand and the South African quicks making their statement loud and clear, the WTC Final is brewing into a classic. Day 3 at Lord’s could very well determine who ends the day with one hand on the mace.
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