First of all, we feel excitement in the air at Lord’s. After two full days of Test cricket, both teams still fight hard. Now on Day 3, Australia holds a lead, but South Africa’s bowlers make it really close.
Before Day 3 Began
Australia scored 212 and then 144 for 8 on Day 2. By stumps, they increased their lead to 218 runs. In their first innings, South Africa had only managed to score 138.
Firstly, Pat Cummins bowled beautifully. He took 6 wickets for only 28 runs and crossed 300 Test wickets—a big milestone. Moreover, he became the first fast-bowling captain since 1982 to take a five-for at Lord’s.
Second, Australia’s second innings saw a comeback from Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.. They Second, Australia’s second innings saw a comeback from Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi. Just before stumps, Australia was at 144 for 8 after they had eliminated eight batsmen.
Also, Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham produced a brave fight in South Africa’s innings. They made valuable runs and showed real spirit. Bavuma’s enthusiastic batting energy gave hope.
Before Day 3, 28 wickets had fallen in two days—14 each day In addition, batting looked really tricky for both sides.
Day 3 Begins: Australia Extends Lead
When the match started on Day 3, Australia batted for a bit more. Captain Cummins said his team wanted a target above 200 runs to feel comfortable. They added around 20–30 more runs, with Mitchell Starc unbeaten on 16 and Nathan Lyon on.
Now Australia finished the second innings at about 165 runs, leading by roughly 240 runs.
South Africa’s Tough Chase Ahead
In the chase, South Africa needs to score around 240 runs to win. While the target looks big, the pitch still helps bowlers a lot. Ngidi, Rabada, and Cummins have already demonstrated exceptional ball skills.
Moreover, bowlers show great accuracy. For example, Cummins’ strike rate improved past legends like Lillee and McGrath. Also, Rabada became one of the fastest bowlers ever to reach 300 wickets in Test matches
Furthermore, Lungi Ngidi picked up 3 wickets for 35 runs in the second innings, giving South Africa hope.
Therefore, South Africa still has a chance. However, they must bat well and carefully. Overcast weather and angle changes will keep making batting hard.
Why This Match Is Very Special
- Bowler’s Paradise: Over two days, 28 wickets fell in 56 overs—fairly bowling-friendly conditions.
- Historic Milestones: Cummins reached 300 wickets and took a 6‑28 haul. Rabada also crossed 300 Test wickets faster than most bowlers ever.
- Fightback Spirit: Bavuma and Bedingham’s partnership showed South Africa’s never-give-up attitude.
- Balanced Game: Australia had early dominance, but South Africa’s bowlers fought back brilliantly, keeping things level.
What May Happen Next
- Australia will declare soon and then bowl hard to finish the match, preferably on Day 4.
- South Africa must build strong partnerships. If they lose early wickets, the match may slip away quickly.
- Weather may bring overcast spells and seam movement, making batting harder.
- Kids to Watch: Temba Bavuma (SKILLED), David Bedingham (STEADY), Kagiso Rabada (POWERS), Pat Cummins (LEADER).
- Australia leads by about 240 runs.
- South Africa needs 240+ runs to win.
- Bowlers are playing brilliantly. Batting is hard because of the pitch.
- Cummins and Rabada took many wickets.
- Bavuma and Bedingham showed spirit for South Africa.
- The match is close and exciting—it could finish in just 4 days.
Conclusion
Right now, Australia stands strong, but South Africa shows plenty of fightback. Over the next two days, both teams will play with passion, energy, and skill. Kids, you will see fast bowlers swinging the ball and batters thinking smartly. Above all, this game reminds us that anyone can win until the last ball.
Stay tuned—this final will be talked about for years!