Australia faced a dismal performance on the second day of the World Test Championship final, where the teams saw a shocking total of 14 wickets fall across both days. Following their first-day collapse, Australia stumbled to a mere 212 runs before South Africa returned to the crease at 4-43. Despite the challenging conditions, South Africa could only muster 138 runs, leaving them trailing early in the second session.
The second day proved no less tumultuous for Australia, who struggled to a precarious 8-144 at stumps, igniting concerns about their batting form. Cricket commentator Ian Smith expressed his confusion over the match dynamics, noting the contrast between the current scores and the recent accolades of both teams as top Test nations. Pat Cummins struggled as captain, and when he fell for just 6 runs, the match appeared decidedly in favour of South Africa.
David Bedingham led the Proteas with a top score of 45 runs, while Cummins showcased his bowling skills with an impressive 6-28, marking his 300th career wicket. Australia’s batting order faltered, with top-order batsman Usman Khawaja dismissed cheaply for 6, as Kagiso Rabada wreaked havoc, secured three vital wickets, and ended with figures of 3-44. Marnus Labuschagne briefly held the innings together until he fell for 22.
Despite a marginally stabilising 61-run partnership between Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc, Australia’s woes continued when Carey was dismissed for 43, falling victim to Rabada’s relentless bowling. Starc and Nathan Lyon managed to see out the day, with Starc ending on 16 not out as Australia left the field with a lead of 218 runs.
Kevin Pietersen remarked on the ongoing entertainment provided by the match, even amid the chaotic scoring trends. As South Africa prepares for their batting innings, the challenge may be further complicated by the 19 extras gifted by their bowlers, particularly the nine no-balls, of which Rabada accounted for five.
With tensions running high and both sides capable of producing match-winning performances, the outcome remains uncertain as the series progresses, showcasing the unpredictable nature of Test cricket at its finest.