Australia had the upper hand at the start of day two. They held a 74-run first-innings lead at Lord’s. For the next two hours, South Africa fought hard to take that away. However, Carey and Starc responded with a quick 61-run stand for the eighth wicket. As a result, Australia still ended the day on top.

Bowlers Dominate Again

Like day one, day two also belonged to the bowlers. Fourteen wickets fell for the second day in a row. That brought the total to 28 in just six sessions. Clearly, batting wasn’t easy.

Cummins Shines Bright

To begin with, Pat Cummins stole the show. He became the first visiting captain to take a five-wicket haul at Lord’s. Additionally, he reached his 300th Test wicket during that spell. He ended with figures of 6 for 28 from 18.1 overs. In fact, he bowled six maidens and barely delivered a bad ball.

Bavuma Leads South Africa’s Response

Meanwhile, South Africa resumed on 43 for 4. Temba Bavuma, who had struggled the previous evening, began confidently. He hit Starc for two stunning lofted drives. Soon, he survived an lbw call through a successful review. After that, he drove Hazlewood and Starc and even pulled Cummins for six. He added 64 runs with David Bedingham.

Then came a turning point. Bavuma drove Cummins in the air, and Marnus Labuschagne took a brilliant diving catch at cover. That wicket halted South Africa’s momentum.

Momentum Shifts Again

Following Bavuma’s dismissal, South Africa slowed down. Bedingham and Verreynne struggled for runs. Bedingham edged Hazlewood but survived. Verreynne edged Webster but fell short of slip.

Then came a moment of drama. Bedingham deflected a ball onto his pad flap. Carey rushed in. Bedingham tried to collect the ball but dropped it. Australia appealed for obstructing the field. However, the umpires ruled the ball was dead. In response, Bedingham hit the next ball for four. At lunch, South Africa were 121 for 5, still 91 behind.

Cummins Destroys the Lower Order

After lunch, Cummins returned to cause more damage. He trapped Verreynne lbw. Then, Jansen gave him an easy return catch. Soon, he removed Bedingham with a thin edge. Finally, he reached his 300th wicket when Rabada pulled to deep square. South Africa collapsed, losing 5 wickets for just 12 runs. They were bowled out for 133.

Australia Lose Wickets Quickly Again

In reply, Australia lost wickets early. Initially, Labuschagne scored some quick runs. But Rabada and Jansen soon found their rhythm. Rabada got Khawaja caught behind. Green edged to third slip. At tea, Australia were 32 for 2, ahead by 106.

Ngidi and Mulder Strike Back

After tea, the game sped up again. Ngidi struck twice in quick time. He trapped Smith lbw. Then, he dismissed Webster the same way. In the next over, Mulder bowled Travis Head off his pads. Then, Ngidi bowled Cummins with a fierce yorker. Australia were suddenly 73 for 7.

Carey and Starc Steady the Innings

However, Carey and Starc turned things around. They built a fast 61-run stand. They scored at over four runs per over. Eventually, Rabada got Carey lbw with a ball that came in from around the wicket. Yet, South Africa’s bowlers struggled with discipline. Rabada bowled five no-balls, and the team had 19 in total.

Missed Chance Ends the Day

In the final over, South Africa missed a key opportunity. Jansen dropped Starc at gully off Mulder. That could have changed things. Australia ended the day with a 218-run lead and two wickets in hand.

Brief Scorecard