South Africa surged back into contention in the World Test Championship final as a mid-innings collapse from Australia helped tee up what is poised to be a dramatic Friday at Lord’s.
After being bowled all out for 138 at the conclusion of their first innings to leave them trailing by 74 runs – as Australia captain Pat Cummins took a stunning 6-28 to bring up 300 career Test wickets – South Africa appeared firmly up against it against the defending champions.
But after a steady 2-44 start in the opening stages of their second innings, Australia then crumbled 5-29 in a stunning period of South African bowling that saw the wickets of Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Beau Webster, Travis Head and then skipper Cummins all fall.
Teetering at 73-7, Australia managed to rebuild in the final hour through an eighth-wicket partnership of 61 between wicketkeeper Alex Carey (43) and Mitchell Starc (16 not out).
Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada finished the day with three wickets apiece.
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Pat Cummins collides with batsman Kyle Verreynne whilst appealing for lbw. After review Verreynne was then given out!
Rabada’s final wicket came when he trapped Carey lbw in another twist in the penultimate over at the home of cricket as 14 wickets tumbled for the second straight day
Australia lead by 218 going into the third and potentially final day of the third edition of Test cricket’s big showpiece.
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Marnus Labuschagne takes an incredible catch to break a strong partnership forming between South Africa captain Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham
More to follow…
England vs India Test series☀️
All games at 11am UK and Ireland; all live on Sky Sports
First Test: Friday June 20-Tuesday June 24 – HeadingleySecond Test: Wednesday July 2-Sunday July 6 – EdgbastonThird Test: Thursday July 10-Monday July 14 – Lord’sFourth Test: Wednesday July 23-Sunday July 27 – Old TraffordFifth Test: Thursday July 31-Monday August 4 – The Kia Oval
England Men’s Test summer continues with a five-match Test series against India at home, starting on Friday June 20 at Headingley, live on Sky Sports.
