South Africa’s response to Australia’s first-innings total of 212 brought a dramatic shift in momentum on the second day of the World Test Championship 2025 Final at Lord’s. While the Proteas had shown patience and resilience late on day one against a fiery pace attack, they returned on day two with a more aggressive approach.
The Australian trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood had kept things tight the previous evening, but South Africa looked ready to dominate from the start.
Skipper Temba Bavuma wasted no time in asserting his presence, dispatching two elegant lofted boundaries off Starc in just the third over of the day. At the other end, David Bedingham looked equally composed, rotating strike efficiently and ensuring South Africa maintained pressure on the Australian bowlers.
The partnership was growing steadily, with both batters showing intent to challenge the modest total set by Australia.However, the momentum briefly shifted when Hazlewood struck with a clever delivery that nipped in sharply after pitching.
Bavuma, caught on the crease, attempted a drive far from his body and was rapped on the pads. The loud appeal was quickly followed by the umpire’s finger being raised, suggesting Bavuma’s promising start might be cut short. His body language reflected disappointment and a sense of inevitability about the decision.
Despite initial hesitation, Bavuma opted to consult Bedingham before reluctantly signaling for a review. It appeared to be a last-ditch attempt more than a confident call, with Bavuma anxiously awaiting the verdict. His puzzled expression added to the drama, and even Kyle Verreynne, the next batter, stood up, assuming his captain’s dismissal was inevitable.
It seemed South Africa would lose their key player early.But the tension broke as replays revealed a faint inside edge before the ball struck Bavuma’s pads. The decision was reversed, sparking cheers across the ground and a wave of relief among South African fans online.
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Yet Bavuma, still visibly uncertain, looked around as if needing confirmation that he had indeed survived. The bizarre episode highlighted the fine margins in Test cricket and kept the match on a knife’s edge.