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WTC final 2025 Poised for Epic Finish After Sensational Second Day

The 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s continued to deliver gripping Test cricket on Day 2, with 14 wickets falling, matching the frenetic pace of Day 1. South Africa and Australia traded blows in a seesaw battle, with Pat Cummins’ six-wicket haul and a resilient Australian rearguard effort giving the defending champions a 218-run lead by stumps. As Day 3 looms, the match is poised for a thrilling climax, with South Africa needing a historic chase and Australia aiming to seal the mace. For fans following the action, platforms like starexch offer an immersive way to stay engaged. Here’s a detailed review of Day 2 and a preview of Day 3.

Day 2 Review: A Day of Drama and Fightbacks

Day 2 at Lord’s was another bowler-dominated affair, with both teams’ pace attacks shining on a lively pitch. South Africa, resuming at 43/4, were bowled out for 138, conceding a 74-run first-innings lead to Australia. However, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi led a spirited South African fightback, reducing Australia to 73/7 before Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc’s 61-run stand tilted the momentum back. Australia ended the day at 144/8, leading by 218 runs.

South Africa’s Innings: Cummins’ Masterclass

South Africa started Day 2 trailing by 169, with Temba Bavuma (3*) and David Bedingham (8*) at the crease. Bavuma showed intent, striking lofted drives and a six off Cummins, reaching 36 before falling lbw to Josh Hazlewood after a reviewed inside-edge saved him earlier. Bedingham top-scored with 45, playing fluent cover drives, but his thin edge off Cummins ended a promising knock. A crucial moment came when Cummins’ review overturned an lbw call against Kyle Verreynne (13), sparking a collapse. Cummins’ 6/28, including his 300th Test wicket, was the standout performance, supported by Hazlewood (2 wickets) and Starc (2 wickets). South Africa’s innings folded for 138 in 58.1 overs, handing Australia a vital 74-run lead.

Australia’s Second Innings: Proteas Strike, Carey-Starc Resist

South Africa’s pacers roared back after Australia’s openers, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne, started steadily. Rabada struck twice in the 11th over, dismissing Khawaja (caught behind) and Cameron Green (edged to slip), repeating his Day 1 double blow. Marco Jansen removed Labuschagne (10), and Lungi Ngidi’s fiery spell accounted for Steven Smith (18), Travis Head, and Beau Webster, leaving Australia at 73/7. A dropped catch of Alex Carey and a missed review against him proved costly, as Carey (43*) and Starc’s 61-run eighth-wicket stand frustrated South Africa. Ngidi (3/35) and Rabada (3/44) led the bowling, but Jansen’s drop of Starc off the penultimate ball of the day summed up South Africa’s missed opportunities. Australia closed at 144/8, with a lead of 218.

Key Moments

Cummins’ Six-For: Pat Cummins’ 6/28, including a brilliant review against Verreynne, swung the game Australia’s way.

Bavuma’s Fight: Temba Bavuma’s 36 showed leadership, but his dismissal halted South Africa’s momentum.

Rabada’s Double Strike: Rabada’s twin wickets in an over reduced Australia to 32/2 at tea, sparking hopes of a comeback.

Carey-Starc Partnership: The 61-run stand rescued Australia from 73/7, setting South Africa a daunting target.

South Africa’s Blunders: Missed reviews and Jansen’s dropped catch of Starc late on Day 2 could prove decisive.

The Pitch and Conditions

The Lord’s pitch remained bowler-friendly, offering seam movement and bounce, though it eased slightly in the afternoon. The evening session saw swing under lights, aiding South Africa’s pacers. The pitch is showing early cracks, which could assist spinners Nathan Lyon and Keshav Maharaj on Day 3, but pace is still the dominant force.

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Day 3 Preview: A Decisive Day Beckons

Day 3 could well determine the fate of the WTC mace, with Australia holding the edge but South Africa still in the fight. South Africa need a record-breaking chase to win their first ICC title since 1998, while Australia aim to wrap up the tail and defend their lead. The match is trending toward a three-day finish, but rain is forecast for the afternoon, adding uncertainty.

South Africa’s Chase Looms

South Africa face a daunting task, needing to chase a likely target of 230-250, which would be the fourth-highest successful chase at Lord’s. Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham will be key to anchoring the innings, with Aiden Markram and Kyle Verreynne needing to step up. Rabada and Ngidi must first remove Australia’s tail quickly to keep the target manageable. South Africa’s batting has been fragile, but Bedingham’s form and Bavuma’s leadership offer hope. Avoiding early losses against Starc and Cummins will be critical.

Key Players to Watch:

Temba Bavuma: The captain’s ability to lead the chase under pressure is vital.

David Bedingham: His 45 in the first innings showed he can handle Australia’s pace.

Kagiso Rabada: Early wickets on Day 3 could keep South Africa in the hunt.

Australia’s Push for Victory

Australia will look to add quick runs through Starc and Nathan Lyon before unleashing their pacers. Cummins (6/28) and Starc (2 wickets) will target early breakthroughs, while Hazlewood’s accuracy and Lyon’s spin could exploit the pitch’s cracks. A lead above 250 could put the game beyond South Africa, given the historical difficulty of chasing at Lord’s. Australia’s fielding, led by Beau Webster’s sharp catch, will need to remain flawless.

Key Players to Watch:

Pat Cummins: His bowling and captaincy have been game-changing.

Alex Carey: His unbeaten 43 shows he could add crucial runs.

Nathan Lyon: With cracks appearing, Lyon could be a threat on Day 3.

Tactical Battles

South Africa’s Bowling vs. Australia’s Tail: Can Rabada and Ngidi dismiss Starc and Lyon cheaply to limit the lead?

South Africa’s Top Order vs. Australia’s Pace: Surviving the first hour against Starc and Cummins is crucial for the chase.

Spin’s Role: Lyon and Maharaj could come into play if the pitch deteriorates, especially in the afternoon.

Weather and Pitch Outlook

The forecast for Day 3 predicts rain in the afternoon, which could disrupt play and bring the reserve day (June 16) into consideration. The pitch is expected to remain seamer-friendly but may offer more turn as cracks widen. Sunny intervals in the morning could favor batting, giving South Africa a window to start their chase.

Prediction for Day 3

Australia are favorites to wrap up the tail and set a target of around 240-260. South Africa’s chase will hinge on their top order surviving the first session. If Bavuma and Bedingham can build a platform, the Proteas could make a game of it, but Australia’s pace attack and a deteriorating pitch make a three-day finish likely. Rain could delay the outcome, but the first hour will set the tone.

Final Thoughts

Day 2 of the WTC Final 2025 was Test cricket at its finest, with Cummins’ brilliance, Rabada’s fightback, and Carey’s defiance keeping both teams in contention. Day 3 promises a thrilling conclusion, with South Africa chasing history and Australia eyeing back-to-back titles. Fans can stay immersed in the action through platforms like starexch and best cricket exchange sites.