SA vs AUS WTC Final: From Pat Cummins Joining 300-Club To South Africa's Fightback- Top 4 Moments From Day 2

SA vs AUS WTC Final: The ICC World Test Championship Final between Australia and South Africa remains finely balanced after a dramatic Day 2 at Lord's, where seamers ruled the roost and momentum swung like a pendulum.

Pat Cummins starred with a sensational six-wicket haul, but South Africa's bowlers hit back hard to ensure the match is still wide open heading into the third day.

1) Cummins Joins the 300 Club in Style

Australia's captain Pat Cummins produced a bowling masterclass, taking 6 for 28 to decimate South Africa for just 138 in their first innings. It was Cummins' 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket and his ninth as captain-drawing him level with Indian legend Bishan Singh Bedi for the second-most five-wicket hauls by a Test captain.

In the process, Cummins reached a significant milestone: his 300th Test wicket. He became the 40th bowler and only the eighth Australian to achieve the feat, doing so as the fifth-fastest in terms of deliveries bowled-just 13,725.

2) South Africa's Fightback with the Ball

Despite trailing by 74 runs on the first innings, South Africa hit back with spirited bowling. Kagiso Rabada continued his red-hot form, removing Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green early in the second innings to take his match tally to eight wickets. Lungi Ngidi provided ample support, dismissing Steve Smith, Beau Webster, and Pat Cummins to rattle the Australian middle-order.

3) Middle-Order Collapse and Lower-Order Resistance

Australia stumbled to 73/7 in their second dig, with Marnus Labuschagne (22) falling to Marco Jansen and Travis Head (9) bowled by Wiaan Mulder. A vital late stand between Alex Carey (41) and Mitchell Starc (16*) helped Australia recover to 144/8 at stumps, extending their lead to 218.

4) Sparkling Moments in the Field

Marnus Labuschagne was also sharp in the field, pulling off a sensational diving catch to dismiss South African skipper Temba Bavuma (36), who was looking to rebuild the innings alongside David Bedingham (45). However, Bedingham's efforts were in vain as Cummins and company ran through the lower order.

What Lies Ahead

With Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon set to resume on Day 3, Australia hold a narrow upper hand. However, with 22 wickets already falling in two days, and seam movement continuing to test batters on both sides, this World Test Championship Final is far from over. Australia aim to become the first team to win back-to-back WTC titles, while South Africa are showing they're not here just to make up the numbers.

The stage is set for a thrilling third day in a final that continues to deliver world-class drama.