New Delhi: 

For the second consecutive day, bowlers dominated batters at the WTC final at Lord’s and even though Australia finished 218 runs ahead on Thursday they failed to drive home their 74-run lead.

Cummins lead from the front:

If the first half of the day belonged to Cummins as in a whirlwind hour after lunch Australia dismissed South Africa’s last five batters for 12 runs in 5.5 overs.

Cummins became only the fourth captain to claim five-for in an innings at Lord’s, and improved Bob Willis record of 6/101 as England skipper against India in 1982.

It was the 32-year-old’s ninth five-for as captain as he touched Richie Benaud’s mark and went past former India skipper Bishan Singh Bedi’s haul of eight.

Only skipper Temba Bavuma (36) and David Bedingham (45) could stay at the wicket for long for South Africa against the relentness of Cummins.

Amid seamer-friendly conditions, Rabada then began from where he left off in the first innings to remove Usman Khawaja (6) and Cameron Green (0) in one over.

Ngidi then claimed three wickets in an inspired spell, including the prized catch of Steve Smith (13) to leave Australia tottering at 73/7.

But Carey and Starc then found a way to soak up the pressure and managed to rebuild in the final hour of the day’s play.

Rabada then orchestrated a twist in the second last over as he trapped Carey leg before as 14 wickets fell for the second consecutive day to leave Australia ahead by 218 runs but keeping South Africa’s belief intact.

Resuming at their overnight scored of 43/4, South Africa were bundled out for 138 as Pat Cummins produced the best bowling figures by a skipper at Lord’s (6/28) to complete 300 wickets in Tests.

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