### Australia Takes Command in World Test Championship Final Against South Africa The World Test Championship (WTC) final between Australia and South Africa has unfolded dramatically over the first two days at Lord's. Australia, after a shaky start, managed to bowl out South Africa for 212 on Day 1, with a standout performance from their bowlers. On Day 2, Pat Cummins led the charge with a remarkable six-wicket haul, helping Australia secure a significant first-innings lead. The match has been characterized by fluctuating fortunes, with both teams showcasing their strengths and weaknesses. ### Breakdown of the Match Progression 1. **Day 1 Overview**: - Australia was bowled out for 212, with Kagiso Rabada taking 5 wickets for South Africa [https://www.financialexpress.com/sports/aus-vs-sa-wtc-final-websters-72-guides-australia-to-212-starc-reduces-sa-to-434-at-lords-on-day-1/3876879]. - South Africa struggled in their response, ending the day at 43 for 4 [https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jun/11/australia-south-africa-world-test-championship-match-report-day-one-cricket-lords]. 2. **Day 2 Highlights**: - Pat Cummins dominated with figures of 6 for 28, leading to South Africa being bowled out for 138 [https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/wtc-final-pix-sa-mount-spirited-fightback/20250612.htm]. - Australia ended Day 2 at 144 for 8, holding a commanding lead of 218 runs [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/australia-hold-upper-hand-bowlers-dominate-wtc-final-5177656]. 3. **Key Performances**: - Cummins not only achieved a six-wicket haul but also reached the milestone of 300 Test wickets, becoming the eighth Australian to do so [https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/cummins-attains-massive-milestone-with-six-fer-in-wtc-final/story]. - Alex Carey contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 43 runs amidst a batting collapse [https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/cricket/news/cummins-carey-shine-australia-remain-top-wtc-final-despite-collapse-3915686]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Bowling Statistics**: - Pat Cummins: 6 wickets for 28 runs on Day 2 [https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-pat-cummins-ends-david-bedingham-s-defiant-45-jaffa-take-5-fer-sa-vs-aus-wtc-2025-final]. - Kagiso Rabada: 5 wickets for 51 runs on Day 1 [https://www.indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/wtc-final-day-1-kagiso-rabada-steve-smith-austrlia-south-africa-10061395]. - **Match Scores**: - Australia: 212 all out (Day 1) [https://www.oneindia.com/sports/wickets-fall-on-day-1-of-wtc-final-south-africa-australia-011-4178903.html]. - South Africa: 138 all out (Day 2) [https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/wtc-final-pix-sa-mount-spirited-fightback/20250612.htm]. - Australia: 144 for 8 at the end of Day 2 [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/australia-hold-upper-hand-bowlers-dominate-wtc-final-5177656]. ### Conclusion: A Thrilling Contest Ahead The WTC final has set the stage for an exciting continuation as Australia leads by 218 runs after two days of intense cricket. The match has been marked by exceptional bowling performances, particularly from Pat Cummins, who has not only led his team with skill but also reached a significant personal milestone. As the teams head into Day 3, the contest remains finely poised, with South Africa needing to mount a strong response to stay in contention. 1. **Australia's Dominance**: With a substantial lead and strong bowling, Australia is in a favorable position. 2. **South Africa's Challenge**: They must regroup and find a way to counter Australia's bowling attack. 3. **Key Players**: Cummins and Carey are pivotal for Australia, while South Africa will rely on their top order to deliver in the upcoming innings. The unfolding drama at Lord's promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats as the match progresses [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3457242-australia-dominates-south-africa-in-thrilling-world-test-championship-clash].