Australia hold upper hand as bowlers dominate at WTC final

Australia captain Pat Cummins starred with the ball and Alex Carey made valuable runs following a dramatic collapse as the holders retained the advantage in the World Test Championship final against South Africa on Thursday.

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Fast bowler Cummins produced a sensational spell of four wickets for one run when South Africa were dismissed for 138 on the second day in reply to Australia’s first-innings total of 212 at Lord's.

Australia collapsed to 73-7 in their second innings, with Kagiso Rabada (3-44) and Lungi Ngidi (3-35) doing the bulk of the damage.

But Carey (43) and Mitchell Starc (16 not out) shared an eighth-wicket partnership of 61 before the wicketkeeper was lbw to Rabada shortly before the close.

The last over of the day saw Starc dropped on 14 when Marco Jansen shelled a routine catch off Wiaan Mulder.

At stumps Australia were 144-8, a potentially decisive lead of 218 runs.