Australia's Dramatic Collapse Shakes World Test Championship Final

Australia suffered a dramatic second-innings batting collapse, leaving the World Test Championship final hanging in the balance after another topsy-turvy day dominated by the bowlers at Lord's. South Africa, resuming their first innings on 43-4, managed to reach 121-5 by lunch, but the relative serenity gave way to unbridled chaos as 13 wickets fell across the next two sessions.

Pat Cummins Leads the Charge

Australia captain Pat Cummins claimed 6-28, playing the leading hand after lunch with the last five South African wickets costing just 12 runs. David Bedingham top-scored for the Proteas with 45, one of four players in their side who made it into double figures in their total of 138.

South Africa's Bowling Attack

Cummins' side appeared to be in the driving seat, only for South Africa's bowling attack to blow the match wide open as they ran through Australia's top order during a frenzied period after tea. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith were the only Australian batters in the top six to make it out of single figures as South Africa's attack turned up the heat. Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada picked up 3-35 and 3-44 respectively while Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder also claimed one apiece.

Key Moments

Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey had counter-attacked with 43 off 50 balls but it felt a huge moment in the context of the match when he was trapped lbw by Rabada late on. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood survived a nervous couple of overs before stumps - Jansen dropped Starc at gully off Mulder - to leave Australia on 144-8 at the close and 218 runs in front.

Lord's Gripped by Australia Capitulation

The steward at the bottom of the steps in front of the Lord's pavilion must be in danger of suffering from repetitive strain injury. Every time he settled back into his chair after lifting the latch to open and close the gate to allow an Australian batter out to the middle he was soon repeating it to welcome him back again not long after.

What They Said

South Africa paceman Lungi Ngidi told TMS: "It's in the balance right now. Two wickets in hand. If we can knock those over and maybe chase 225, people are going to get their money's worth."

Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc told TMS: "You bowl good balls, good spells, and you'll be rewarded with a few loose shots over the two days but we've seen some quality bowling."

Conclusion

With the match finely poised, the third day promises to be a nerve-shredding humdinger. Barring any interjections from the weather, it would be a minor miracle if this contest now stretches through until Saturday.