Australia leads South Africa by 218 runs after wickets tumble again on Day 2 of WTC final

• LONDON — A low-scoring World Test Championship final was heading to a thrilling conclusion after Australia took a 74-run first-innings lead before being reduced to 144-8 by South Africa by the close of Day 2 at Lord's on Thursday.
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• It was a landmark day for Australia captain Pat Cummins, who took 6-28 to get to 300 wickets in his test career and dismiss the Proteas for 138 following a whirlwind hour after lunch when the Baggy Greens claimed South Africa's last five batters for 12 runs in 5.5 overs.
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• A test dominated by pace bowling continued in that vein in Australia's second innings, with Kagiso Rabada — who took 5-51 to help restrict the Australians to 212 all out on Day 1 — again removing Usman Khawaja (6) and Cameron Green (0) in one over before Lungi Ngidi took three wickets, including dangerman Steve Smith (13), in an inspired spell.

Also read: WTC Final: Match is 80 pc in Australia’s favour because of SA’s lack of intent, feels Matthew Hayden

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• Tottering at 73-7, Australia managed to rebuild in the final hour through an eighth-wicket partnership of 61 between wicketkeeper Alex Carey (43) and Mitchell Starc (16 not out).
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• Rabada (3-44) trapped Carey lbw in another twist in the next-to-last over at the home of cricket as 14 wickets tumbled for the second straight day.
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• Australia led by 218 going into the third and potentially final day of the third edition of test cricket's big new showpiece in its bid to retain the mace.
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• South Africa is seeking its first ICC trophy in any format this century.