LONDON, June 12 —

This isn’t just a cricket match—it’s a war of willpower. Two days into the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final, chaos reigns at Lord’s. Twenty-eight wickets have fallen. Momentum swings like a pendulum. And with every over, the pressure builds toward a historic reckoning.

Australia may lead by 218 runs heading into Day Three, but don't be fooled, the door is wide open. South Africa, fueled by pure defiance, are charging back into contention. For a team that hasn’t touched an ICC trophy since 1998, this is more than a game. It’s destiny on the line.

Cummins’ Masterclass: A Champion’s Spell

Australia’s captain Pat Cummins unleashed fury in the second session of Day Two—producing a jaw-dropping burst of 4 wickets for just 1 run. The spell, brutal and clinical, ripped through South Africa’s lower order and sealed his career-best figures at Lord’s: 6 for 28.

It was historic. It was personal. It was his 300th Test wicket—placing him in elite company as just the fifth Aussie to reach the milestone, and among the fastest in history to get there.

Proteas Fight Back: The Fire Isn’t Out Yet

Earlier, South Africa had shown signs of life. Temba Bavuma (36) and David Bedingham (45) pieced together a gutsy 64-run stand, but from 126/5, it all came crashing down. Five wickets for 12 runs. A disastrous run-out. A savage short ball that sent Rabada packing as Cummins hit the magic 300.

But the fight was far from over. Rabada, Ngidi Spark Mayhem as Aussies Stumble Just when it looked like Australia would pull away, South Africa’s quicks flipped the script.

Kagiso Rabada was red-hot, removing Khawaja and Green in the same over—again. Lungi Ngidi followed with a spell of thunder, slicing through Smith, Labuschagne, and Cummins. Australia were suddenly on the ropes at 73 for 7.Only a gritty stand between Alex Carey (43) and Mitchell Starc saved them from total collapse, dragging the lead just past 200 and giving the Aussies a faint lifeline.

One Day Left. One Shot at Glory.

The match is likely to end tomorrow, on the third day. As the final day looms, weather permitting, this epic is perfectly poised. Australia holds the slight edge. South Africa holds belief. The pitch is flattening. A chase under 250? Doable. But it’ll take steel. Bavuma and Markram will need to summon greatness, and maybe history.

Immortality or Heartbreak.

This is South Africa’s moment to rise, or relive decades of regret. This is Australia’s test of resilience, or a collapse for the ages.

On Friday at Lord’s, one team will write their name in gold. The other will fade into the shadows of what might have been. The World Test Championship mace is waiting. But only the brave will touch it.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]