After an intense opening day at Lord’s, Australia find themselves with a slight upper hand in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa. Having fought back late with the ball to reduce the Proteas to 43/4 at stumps, Pat Cummins and his side will now look to capitalise on that momentum early on Day 2. But with a thin lead and South Africa’s middle-order still intact, there’s work to be done if Australia are to tighten their grip on the contest.
Early strikes key: Bedingham & Bavuma the main targets
Australia’s pace trio—Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and captain Pat Cummins—will need to strike early on Thursday. Chief among their targets will be David Bedingham, a prolific run-scorer in the County Championship who is well-acquainted with English conditions.
Last year, Bedingham ended up as the leading run-getter at the County Championship 2024 with an amazing 1331 runs at an average of 78.29, including nine 50+ scores in 18 innings. His experience and ability to anchor an innings make him South Africa’s biggest threat heading into Day 2.
Temba Bavuma, who looked composed despite South Africa’s collapse late on Day 1, will also be key. The Proteas skipper is known for digging in when the chips are down, and if he gets going, South Africa could claw back into the match. Australia must continue to exploit the movement on offer, especially with early cloud cover expected again, to dismantle the remaining batting order.
Also, Day 2 could be a perfect time for Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins to bowl a bit extra. They will be fresh today and if their elongated spells allow Australia to have enough first-innings lead, then it won’t cause any harm.
Steve Smith believes
Steve Smith, who scored a superb 66 on Day 1, believes Australia are “in a decent spot” but admitted the side left a few runs out there. Speaking after the day’s play, Smith noted how helpful the overcast conditions were for bowlers and is hoping for similar assistance in the morning session. “Hopefully it does a little bit in the morning like it did today,” he said, backing Australia’s pace unit to deliver again.
“When you know you’ve only got a couple of hours to bowl in the night, you can probably give a little bit more knowing you’re going to have a break afterwards,” Smith said of Australia’s efforts to pick up four wickets prior to stumps.
“The three (Australian quicks) have been great and hopefully they can come again in the morning and make a few early inroads.”
Smith’s measured innings, although cut short by part-time spinner Aiden Markram, gave Australia a fighting total of 212.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
IND vs BAN off, IND vs SL on: BCCI-SLC in talks for mid-August white-ball series
Top Stories
