It was another day at Lord’s where bowlers revelled in the atmosphere while batters were consumed by it. 14 wickets fell on Day 2. Pat Cummins got 6 wickets on way to his 300th and led from the front in bundling out South Africa for a meagre 138, giving Australia a crucial and a probable match winning lead of 74 runs.
Pat Cummins was brilliant and produced a spectacle of seam and swing bowling at good pace. Barring David Bedingham and to an extent Temba Bavuma’s partnership in the first session, the South African batters were just unable to cope with the Australian bowling attack and fell to their fate, with the proteas succumbing to 138.
There was no respite for Australia in their second innings either as Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi bowled their heart out to stifle Australia’s progress and restrain them from running away with the match. Rabada and Ngidi scalped 3 each and held Australia at bay with the ODI Champions at 144/8 at the end of Day’s play. Alex Carey produced a quick 43 to help Australia extend their lead to 218 runs.
With Australia having a lead of over 200 and still two wickets to go, life may turn difficult for South Africa when they get their chance to bat in their 2nd essay. The match is certainly tilted towards Australia and it would take a Herculean effort from South Africa to pull this off. Their inept batting display may eventually cost them the match.