Australia went into Tea on Day 2 of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s at 32/2 in their second innings, holding a commanding 106-run lead, after a relentless bowling performance that saw South Africa bundled out for a paltry 138.

Leading from the front, Australian skipper Pat Cummins produced a spell of sheer brilliance, finishing with exceptional figures of six for 28, the best-ever bowling figures by a captain in a Test match at the historic venue. His efforts not only devastated South Africa’s lower order but also marked a personal milestone, as he reached the landmark of 300 Test wickets.

South Africa resumed the post-lunch session precariously placed at 121/5. However, their innings unraveled swiftly under sustained pressure. Cummins wasted little time, trapping Kyle Verreynne leg-before for 13 with a sharp in-swinger. Just three deliveries later, he completed a smart return catch to dismiss Marco Jansen for a duck.