The WTC final has officially entered its the third day as the batting lineup of South Africa was crumbled down by the Aussie bowlers. Talking about the World Test Championship final, the Australian captain, Pat Cummins, who picked up 6 wickets in the first innings, said that this match stood as an advertisement for Test cricket, despite bowlers only dominating the game.
[REPORT] Match Summary So Far (Day 2)
In the WTC (the World Test Championship) final, fans are given a treat after a long time, as the game has produced one of the historic moments in the history of Test cricket. With a total of 28 wickets falling across the first two days at Lord’s, it is clear that the bowlers have been dominating the game.
South Africa, who were supposed to start strong on Day 2, were purely destroyed by the bowling attacks of the Aussies, especially captain Pat Cummins, who picked up six wickets and gave away only 28 runs at an economy of 1.54.
Following the five-wicket haul, Pat Cummins now holds the record of the 14th five-wicket haul in Test and also joined the elite Aussies’ club of 300 Test wickets, joining the greats such as Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Nathan Lyon, and Mitchell Starc.
South Africa’s batters were dismissed in 138 runs, which initiated the second innings of Australia. In the second innings as well, no batter scored impressively, as the South African bowlers again dominated the innings by taking eight wickets in just 144 runs. Thanks to Marnus Labuschagne, who scored 22 runs from 64 balls, and Alex Carey’s 43 off 50 balls, the Aussies got past 140 runs.
On the bowling side of South Africa, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi again shone as they took 3 wickets each by giving away a total of 79 runs.
[WHAT’S HAPPENING] Cummins’ Comments on the Match
Following the incredible domination by bowlers on both days of the WTC final, the Australian captain, Pat Cummins, expressed his opinion regarding the match’s situation and how bowlers have had a significant impact on turning the game at any moment.
He said, “It’s a pretty good Test match. Some blokes have gotten themselves in and looked comfortable out there, but a lot of other guys haven’t. Both teams have bowled really well, really disciplined,” he said. “There haven’t been many half-volleys.”
Similarly, joining the elite 300 wickets club, Cummins said that it is way more than he could have ever asked for. Further adding, “Three hundred is a really big number, and I have battled a few injuries and niggles and got through and played well in different conditions, so I am pretty happy.”
On the other hand, Day 3 will undoubtedly be a match that could be written in history books, as South Africa is on their way to dismissing two more batters to chase the target. Australia is now leading by 218 runs, and if they get past 250 runs on Day 3, then it will be trouble for the Proteas, as the pitch is favoring bowlers more than batters.
Writer’s Perspective
From a cricket fan’s perspective, this WTC final, especially Day 2, has been nothing short of thrilling and exciting. The incredible spells from both sides successfully crumbled down the batters under a low score, despite the rising pressure of the ICC trophy.
A Test match like this will undoubtedly play a significant role in the upliftment of the format, as all the players are heavily invested in winning the game. Day 3 will produce even more exciting moments than Days 1 and 2 combined.
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