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Auto RefreshSA vs AUS, WTC Final 2025 Highlights Day 2: Australia finish at 144-8, lead by 218 runs
SA vs AUS, WTC Final 2025 Highlights Day 2: Alex Carey gave Australia some respite after they found themselves in a precarious position in the final session of Day 2 of the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's. The wicketkeeper-batter stood tall and stitched a crucial 61-run stand with Mitchell Starc for the 8th wicket before Kagiso Rabada removed him for 43(50). Starc, batting on 16(47), and Nathan Lyon (1 off 4) finished the day unbeaten as Australia pushed their total to 144/8 after being reduced to 74/7. They have a healthy lead of 218 runs.
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June 13, 2025· 13:47 IST
ℹ️MATCH INFO
Lungi Ngidi, beaming with optimism, joins the broadcast team. He believes the Proteas are in a strong position, acknowledging Australia's disciplined bowling that restricted their first innings total. However, Ngidi emphasizes South Africa's resilient fightback. He admits struggling initially, failing to hit the right areas, but found his rhythm after Tea on Day 2. He's energized by the crowd chanting his name, a real shot in the arm! Looking ahead to Friday, the focus is razor-sharp: snag those remaining two Aussie wickets early. Ngidi concedes that chasing anything over 200 against Australia's potent attack will be a Herculean task, but the Proteas will back themselves to the hilt.
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June 13, 2025· 13:46 IST
MATCH INFO
It's that unwavering self-belief that distinguishes top teams! The word 'die' simply isn't in their vocabulary. Twenty-eight wickets have tumbled in just two days, yet it's impossible to definitively declare who holds the upper hand; neither side has seized sustained dominance. This Test has been a rollercoaster of momentum swings, with Australia's century stands after Lunch on Day 1 and Tea on Day 2 standing out – the only two such sessions witnessed so far. The Aussies will certainly feel more confident now than when they were reeling at 73/7, but only a fool would prematurely call a winner. Friday could be the grand finale of this gripping contest, but the ominous rain clouds loom large. Play is scheduled to commence at 3 pm IST (0930 GMT) on June 13th, 2025, weather permitting, fingers crossed! Given the high-octane cricket we've witnessed, this could very well come down to the wire, the final hour of Day 3. Don't miss a single ball – tune in early for our comprehensive pre-match build-up! Farewell and take care!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:46 IST
MATCH INFO
Credit where it's due – both teams have battled fiercely! South Africa, staring down the barrel with a 74-run deficit, somehow clawed their way back, reducing Australia to a precarious 73/7 after the openers had put on 28. And then, from that dire position, the Aussies found a way to stubbornly resist on Day 3. It's been a truly bizarre day of Test cricket! The morning session yielded a solitary wicket, while the subsequent two sessions saw a staggering 13 wickets fall. Batting out there is proving to be an ordeal, even a fifty-run partnership feels like scaling Everest. The morning belonged to Temba Bavuma, who led the Protean counter-attack from a perilous 43/4. He adopted a positive, attacking approach from the outset, which ultimately led to his downfall. The middle session was Pat Cummins' domain, as he ripped through the South African batting lineup, bagging a superb 6-wicket haul. And then, in the evening session, Lungi Ngidi exorcised the demons of his poor first innings performance, claiming 3 crucial wickets in a herculean 9-over spell.
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June 13, 2025· 13:46 IST
MATCH INFO
Regardless of Australia's batting woes, South Africa deserve immense credit. They were seemingly down and out after their first innings but roared back into contention with a vengeance. Kagiso Rabada lit the fuse, setting the tone, but the undisputed star of the session was Lungi Ngidi, who elevated his game to stratospheric levels. His initial breakthrough, dismissing Steve Smith, injected him with boundless confidence, ensuring that the Aussies couldn't run away with the lead.
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June 13, 2025· 13:46 IST
MATCH INFO
Another inquest looms for Australia's fragile batting lineup. It's hard to decipher the significance of that Carey-Starc partnership. Did the ball suddenly lose its venomous bite? Did the pitch magically transform into a batsman's paradise? The only plausible explanation is perhaps the ball softened after the 25th or 30th over, making life slightly easier for the batsmen. But still, there can be no excuses for a batting unit to capitulate twice in a Test match, especially in the Ashes. Australia might argue that they were dealt a harsh hand, facing the music under gloomy, overcast skies, but that's what Test cricket at its highest level is all about - mental resilience. Alarmingly for the Aussies, with a significant chunk of senior players expected to hang up their boots after the Ashes later this year, it leaves a gaping void in their inexperienced batting lineup, which currently lacks the technical finesse to combat quality bowling. The spirited fight shown by Carey should have been the standard, not the exception, and the fact that not a single batter in the top 6 managed to surpass 25 is deeply concerning.
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June 13, 2025· 13:46 IST
MATCH INFO
Both these sides pride themselves on their razor-sharp fielding, and Alex Carey certainly didn't live up to that standard on Wednesday. On Thursday, it was South Africa's turn to falter in that crucial final session, first with Kyle Verreynne failing to cling onto a difficult chance and then Marco Jansen misjudging his position and grassing a catch. Both drops were off Starc, and only time will reveal the ultimate cost of these errors. Aside from these glaring mistakes, numerous edges fell agonizingly short of the slip cordon, prompting questions about Kyle Verreynne's positioning behind the stumps. Should he have been a few steps closer to the stumps?
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June 13, 2025· 13:46 IST
MATCH INFO
It's been a case of tooth and nail, a relentless battle for every inch! Day 1 – that missed review against Beau Webster, a costly oversight as he went on to score 72. On Day 2, Pat Cummins' successful review against Kyle Verreynne led to a quick collapse of the innings. But in the third session of Day 2, it wasn't reviews that dictated the narrative, it was fielding – the missed chances, the half-chances…
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June 13, 2025· 13:46 IST
MATCH INFO
Another heart-stopping day of Test cricket! 14 wickets tumbled again on Day 2, for 239 runs, in 75.1 overs. It's anyone's guess which dressing room you'd rather be in right now. Australia were on the ropes, seemingly down for the count, but somehow found a lifeline through the gritty resistance of Carey and Starc. That being said, despite Australia's lead of 218, historically, Day 3 is considered the prime batting day at Lord's. So South Africa will firmly believe they're in the ascendancy, confident that anything under 250 is eminently chaseable from a Lord's perspective.
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June 13, 2025· 13:46 IST
Dot BallOver 39.6Australia 144/8
A teasing length ball, with a subtle wobble, just outside off stump. Mitchell Starc watches it all the way into the keeper's gloves. AND THAT'S STUMPS ON DAY 2! AUSTRALIA 144/8, LEADING BY 218! What a day!
Mitchell Starc 16(47)Nathan Lyon 1(4)
Wiaan Mulder 1/14(6)
04(4B)0020
CRR: 3.60
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June 13, 2025· 13:46 IST
2 RunsOver 39.5Australia 144/8
Fuller in length, zeroing in on the off stump, Mitchell Starc flicks it with nimble wrists, keeping it along the carpet, towards deep backward square leg for a comfortable couple of runs.
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June 13, 2025· 13:46 IST
Dot BallOver 39.4Australia 142/8
EDGED AND DROPPED! We've seen so many edges failing to carry to the slips, and just when one does, it's spilled! Marco Jansen is visibly distraught! A probing length ball, flirting just outside off, subtly nibbling away from the batsman. Mitchell Starc tentatively hangs his bat, getting a thick outside edge. The ball zips flat towards Jansen at third slip, at waist height. Perhaps the close proximity of the slip fielders contributed to the error. Jansen stoops low, but ultimately puts it down. A second life for Starc – a potentially costly reprieve!
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June 13, 2025· 13:46 IST
Over 39.2Australia 142/8
FOUR BYES! Full and sliding down leg, Mitchell Starc attempts a delicate tickle, but gets no connection as the ball drifts too wide. The wicketkeeper dives valiantly to his right, but can't get a glove on it. The ball races away to the fine leg boundary for four byes!
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June 13, 2025· 13:46 IST
Dot BallOver 39.3Australia 142/8
Full and well outside off stump, offering no temptation whatsoever. Mitchell Starc wisely shoulders arms, leaving it alone.
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June 13, 2025· 13:46 IST
Dot BallOver 39.1Australia 138/8
A testing length ball swinging into the left-hander, just outside off. Mitchell Starc pushes tentatively, getting an outside edge that carries on the bounce to the first slip fielder. Oh, could the wicketkeeper have gone for that one? It was certainly a possibility!
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June 13, 2025· 13:45 IST
MATCH INFO
Wiaan Mulder is reintroduced into the attack. His figures so far: 5-0-12-1.
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June 13, 2025· 13:45 IST
Dot BallOver 38.6Australia 138/8
Lyon's tempted by that nagging line and length just outside off! It keeps dangerously low, and the Aussie veteran has a nibble but can only waft at thin air. Close shave!
Nathan Lyon 1(4)Mitchell Starc 14(41)
Kagiso Rabada 3/44(11)
1(1NB)20(W)1(1NB)1011(1NB)0
CRR: 3.54
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June 13, 2025· 13:45 IST
Over 38.6Australia 138/8
Just outside off, that familiar hard length. Lyon shoulders arms, leaving it alone. Oh dear, another overstepping from Rabada! NO BALL! The speedster is incandescent with frustration - those extra deliveries are gold dust at this stage.
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June 13, 2025· 13:45 IST
1 RunOver 38.5Australia 137/8
Glorious drive from Starc! Full and wide, smacked away from the meat of the bat past mid-off, but what athleticism from Bavuma! A full-blooded dive to his right intercepts the ball, saving runs for his team! Just a single there.
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June 13, 2025· 13:45 IST
Dot BallOver 38.4Australia 136/8
Starc looked to work it away on the leg side, but that back-of-a-length delivery nipped back in off the seam and took the inside edge before thudding into the front pad. A close call!
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June 13, 2025· 13:45 IST
1 RunOver 38.3Australia 136/8
Lyon pushes forward to defend a tempting delivery in that corridor of uncertainty. The ball moves subtly into him and takes a nick! It flies low to second slip who makes a meal of it! A fumble allows the batters to scurry through for a single and put another run on the board.
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June 13, 2025· 13:43 IST
MATCH INFO
Lungi Ngidi, beaming with optimism, joins the commentary team. He believes his squad's in a prime position, acknowledging Australia's disciplined bowling that kept their total in check. However, the Proteas clawed their way back valiantly. He reflects on a challenging first innings, struggling to find the right areas. Post-tea on Day 2, he rediscovered his rhythm. Ngidi is energized by the incredible atmosphere, especially the crowd chanting his name. He reiterates the team's focus: bagging those final two Aussie wickets on Friday. Chasing anything above 200 will be a tall order considering Australia's fiery bowling attack, but the South Africans are still backing themselves to go all the way.
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June 13, 2025· 13:43 IST
MATCH INFO
It's that unwavering belief that distinguishes champion teams, refusing to concede defeat. We've witnessed a cascade of 28 wickets across two days, yet predicting the frontrunner feels like a fool's errand – neither side has seized sustained dominance. The pendulum of momentum has swung wildly, with Australia's century partnerships after Lunch on Day 1 and Tea on Day 2 serving as prime examples – the only two of their kind in the match. The Aussies will feel much better now than when they were reeling at 73/7, but only a brave soul would call the game at this juncture. Friday looms as the potential decider, weather permitting, play kicks off at 3 pm IST (0930 GMT) on June 13th, 2025. Given the gripping cricket we've seen, this could very well go down to the wire on Day 3. Don't miss a single ball, folks! Tune in early for our comprehensive pre-match coverage. Until then, farewell and take care!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:43 IST
MATCH INFO
Credit where it's due to both these combatants. South Africa, staring down a 74-run deficit, appeared on the ropes. But they then ripped through Australia, reducing them to 73/7 after an opening stand of 28/0. From there, the Aussies somehow cobbled together a fightback deep into Day 3. It's been a day of topsy-turvy cricket. The morning session only produced a single wicket, contrasting sharply with the 13 that tumbled in the following two sessions. Batting is proving to be an exercise in survival, and even a modest 50-run partnership seems a Herculean task. Temba Bavuma owned the morning, leading a spirited Protean counter-attack from 43/4, though his aggressive intent ultimately led to his dismissal. Pat Cummins then dominated the middle session, tearing through the South African batting order to claim a remarkable 6-wicket haul. And finally, Lungi Ngidi redeemed himself from a lackluster first innings with a crucial 3-wicket burst in a relentless 9-over spell.
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June 13, 2025· 13:43 IST
MATCH INFO
Regardless of Australia's batting woes, we must acknowledge South Africa's resilience. Seemingly out for the count after their first innings, they roared back with venom. Kagiso Rabada ignited the spark, but Lungi Ngidi undeniably stole the show, elevating his game to another dimension. The pivotal dismissal of Steve Smith injected him with boundless confidence, ensuring Australia couldn't build an insurmountable lead.
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June 13, 2025· 13:43 IST
MATCH INFO
More question marks are surfacing over Australia's batting. It's difficult to fully decipher the meaning behind that late Carey-Starc alliance. Did the ball lose its zip? Did the pitch magically transform into a batting paradise? The most plausible explanation is that the ball softened after the 25th or 30th over, making life slightly easier. Still, there are no excuses for a batting lineup to implode twice in a single match, particularly when the stakes are so high. Australia might point to the challenging overcast conditions they faced, but that's precisely what Test cricket at its finest tests – mental fortitude. Alarmingly, with many senior players potentially retiring after the Ashes, a significant void looms within their inexperienced batting ranks, which appear to lack the technical prowess to withstand high-quality bowling. Carey's fighting spirit should have been mirrored by others, and the fact that not a single top-6 batter reached 25 is simply staggering.
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June 13, 2025· 13:43 IST
MATCH INFO
Both these sides pride themselves on their fielding prowess, and Alex Carey had a day to forget on Wednesday. On Thursday, South Africa's standards slipped during that final session, with Kyle Verreynne failing to hold onto a tough chance, followed by Marco Jansen misjudging his positioning after moving from his original stance. Both drops were off Starc, and only time will reveal the true cost of these errors. Beyond these blunders, numerous edges fell short of the slip cordon, prompting questions about whether Kyle Verreynne, the keeper, should have positioned himself closer.
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June 13, 2025· 13:43 IST
MATCH INFO
It's been a battle of attrition, fought tooth and nail. Day 1 – that missed review against Beau Webster, who then capitalized with a masterful 72. Day 2 – Pat Cummins' successful review against Kyle Verreynne, leading to an innings collapse. In the third session of Day 2, however, it wasn't the reviews that grabbed the spotlight – it was the fielding, or lack thereof.
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June 13, 2025· 13:43 IST
MATCH INFO
Another heart-stopping day of Test cricket! 14 wickets tumbled once again on Day 2, yielding 239 runs in 75.1 overs. It's hard to say which camp you'd rather be in at this point. Australia, seemingly on the brink, somehow clung on thanks to Carey and Starc. Despite the lead standing at 218, history suggests that Day 3 is prime batting time at Lord's. South Africa will believe they have the upper hand, viewing anything under 250 as a chaseable target, given Lord's batting conditions.
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June 13, 2025· 13:43 IST
Dot BallOver 39.6Australia 144/8
A length delivery, teasingly wobbling outside off-stump. Mitchell Starc watches it safely into the keeper's gloves. AND THAT'S STUMPS ON DAY 2! AUSTRALIA 144/8, LEADING BY 218!
Mitchell Starc 16(47)Nathan Lyon 1(4)
Wiaan Mulder 1/14(6)
04(4B)0020
CRR: 3.60
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June 13, 2025· 13:43 IST
2 RunsOver 39.5Australia 144/8
Fuller length, angling in on the off-stump, Mitchell Starc flicks it with elegance, all along the carpet, to deep backward square leg for a comfortable couple.
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June 13, 2025· 13:43 IST
Dot BallOver 39.4Australia 142/8
EDGED AND DROPPED! We've seen a plethora of edges not carrying to the slip cordon, and now that one has, it's been grassed! Marco Jansen will be kicking himself! Length ball, just outside off, nipping away tantalizingly. Mitchell Starc dangles his bat and gets a thick edge. The ball flies flat and waist-high towards Jansen at third slip. Perhaps the close proximity of the slip fielders contributed to the error. Jansen gets low, but ultimately spills the chance. A second life for Starc!
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June 13, 2025· 13:43 IST
Over 39.2Australia 142/8
FOUR BYES! A juicy full toss sliding down leg-side, Mitchell Starc attempts a delicate tickle, but fails to connect as the ball was simply too wide. The wicketkeeper dives acrobatically to his right, but can't get a glove on it. The ball races away to the fine leg boundary.
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June 13, 2025· 13:43 IST
MATCH INFO
Lungi Ngidi, beaming like a Cheshire cat, joins us. He reckons South Africa are sitting pretty. Australia bowled with real venom to restrict them, but he thinks the Proteas have roared back strongly. Ngidi admits he was a bit off-key in the first dig, searching for his radar. But post-tea on Day 2, the rhythm returned, and he was firing on all cylinders. He's absolutely buzzing from the crowd support, feeding off the energy when they chant his name – that's what keeps him going! The plan of attack for tomorrow? Snag those final two Aussie wickets ASAP! Chasing anything over 200 will be a dogfight against that Aussie attack, but Ngidi declares they'll back themselves to the hilt! A fascinating chase awaits!
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June 13, 2025· 13:43 IST
Dot BallOver 39.3Australia 142/8
Full and generously wide outside off-stump, Mitchell Starc wisely leaves it alone.
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June 13, 2025· 13:42 IST
Dot BallOver 39.1Australia 138/8
Length ball shaping back into the left-hander, just outside off. Mitchell Starc pushes tentatively, edging it on the bounce to the first slip fielder. Oh, could the wicketkeeper have gone for that one? Perhaps a chance missed!
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June 13, 2025· 13:42 IST
MATCH INFO
Wiaan Mulder is brought back into the attack. His figures so far read: 5-0-12-1.
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June 13, 2025· 13:42 IST
Dot BallOver 38.6Australia 138/8
Lyon tempted by a peach just outside off! Lyon had a nibble at it, but the ball kept devilishly low and zipped past the outside edge. Naughty delivery!
Nathan Lyon 1(4)Mitchell Starc 14(41)
Kagiso Rabada 3/44(11)
1(1NB)20(W)1(1NB)1011(1NB)0
CRR: 3.54
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:42 IST
Over 38.6Australia 138/8
Rabada continues to flirt with the danger zone, pitching it outside off on a demanding length. Lyon wisely leaves it alone. Oh dear! Another overstepping from Rabada! The dreaded NO BALL! He's absolutely livid with himself, and rightly so!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:42 IST
1 RunOver 38.5Australia 137/8
Sensational athleticism from Bavuma! Starc unfurls a glorious drive wide of mid-off, but Bavuma, anticipating beautifully, sprints to his right and hurls himself into a full-length dive! A clean interception saves the boundary, but they manage a single.
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June 13, 2025· 13:42 IST
Dot BallOver 38.4Australia 136/8
Starc cramped for room! A snorter of a delivery, back of a length and angling in from outside off. Starc attempts to guide it to the leg side but gets an inside edge onto the front pad. A little bit of luck there for Starc!
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June 13, 2025· 13:42 IST
1 RunOver 38.3Australia 136/8
Lyon looking to defend a delivery that was moving into him outside off, he prods forward tentatively and gets a faint edge! It falls just short of second slip, who makes a hash of the gather. The ball trickles away behind the wicket and they scamper through for a single. A lucky escape!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:40 IST
MATCH INFO
Lungi Ngidi, beaming like a Cheshire cat, joins the commentary box. He believes the Proteas are sitting pretty, acknowledging that the Aussies bowled with tremendous discipline to restrict them to a below-par score. However, he emphasizes South Africa's spirited fightback. Ngidi admits the first innings was a struggle, feeling he missed his mark, but found his rhythm after Tea on Day 2. He's clearly buoyed by the crowd, energized by the chants of his name. Looking ahead to Friday, the immediate goal is to snatch those remaining two Aussie wickets. He concedes that chasing anything above 200 against Australia's potent attack won't be a cakewalk, but asserts that the South Africans are backing themselves all the way.
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:40 IST
MATCH INFO
It's that unwavering self-belief that defines these top-tier teams. Never say die! Twenty-eight wickets have tumbled in just two days, yet the scales remain delicately balanced, with neither side able to seize prolonged dominance. This Test match has been a rollercoaster of momentum shifts. Australia's two century sessions – after Lunch on Day 1 and Tea on Day 2 – stand out as pivotal. The Aussies will feel more secure now than when they were teetering at 73/7, but predicting a winner at this stage would be foolish. Friday could be the curtain call on this match, but with rain looming, anything is possible. Play is scheduled for 3 pm IST (0930 GMT) on June 13th, 2025, weather gods permitting. Given the fiercely contested cricket we've witnessed, this contest may well come down to the wire, concluding in a dramatic final hour on Day 3. Don't miss a moment of the action; join us early for our pre-match analysis. Until then, adios and take care!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:40 IST
MATCH INFO
Credit where it's due! South Africa, facing a 74-run deficit, appeared to be on the ropes. Then, out of nowhere, they ripped through Australia, reducing them to 73/7 after an opening stand of 28. But the Aussies, resilient as ever, somehow clawed their way back into the game on Day 3. It's been a day of truly unpredictable cricket. The morning session yielded only a single wicket, while the subsequent two sessions saw a staggering 13 wickets fall. The conditions are proving treacherous for batsmen, with even a modest 50-run partnership feeling like a Herculean task. Temba Bavuma's counter-attacking innings in the morning, rescuing the Proteas from 43/4, was a sight to behold, although his aggressive approach ultimately led to his downfall. The middle session belonged to Pat Cummins, who tore through the South African batting order, bagging a magnificent 6-for. And then, as evening descended, Lungi Ngidi redeemed himself after a lackluster first innings with a crucial 3-wicket burst in a marathon 9-over spell.
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:40 IST
MATCH INFO
Regardless of Australia's batting woes, South Africa deserve immense praise. They were seemingly down and out after their first innings but roared back with renewed vigor in the second. Kagiso Rabada set the aggressive tone, but the session's star has to be Lungi Ngidi, who elevated his game to another stratosphere. His pivotal dismissal of Steve Smith injected unparalleled confidence into the Proteas, ensuring that the Aussies couldn't stretch their lead beyond reach.
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:40 IST
MATCH INFO
More question marks surrounding Australia's batting! It's difficult to decipher the significance of the Carey-Starc partnership. Did the ball lose its zip? Did the pitch suddenly become more batsman-friendly? The most plausible explanation is that the ball softened after the 25th or 30th over, offering some respite to the batsmen. However, there can be no excuses for a batting lineup of this caliber collapsing twice in a match, especially in the crucial stages. The Australians might argue that the overcast conditions during their batting innings were unfavorable, but that's what Test cricket at the highest level is all about - mental resilience. Alarmingly for the Aussies, with several senior players expected to retire after the Ashes, their inexperienced batting lineup, which lacks the technical prowess to handle quality bowling, leaves a gaping void. The fight shown by Carey should have been mirrored by the top order, and the fact that not a single top-six batsman reached 25 is simply unacceptable.
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:40 IST
MATCH INFO
Both teams pride themselves on their fielding prowess, and Alex Carey certainly didn't live up to those standards on Wednesday. On Thursday, it was South Africa's turn to falter in the final session, with Kyle Verreynne unable to hold onto a difficult chance and Marco Jansen misjudging his position after moving forward from his original stance. Both dropped catches were off Starc, and only time will reveal how costly these mistakes will prove to be. Furthermore, numerous edges failed to carry to the slip cordon, prompting questions about Kyle Verreynne's positioning behind the stumps – why didn't he come up a few steps?
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:40 IST
MATCH INFO
This match has been a real arm wrestle! On Day 1, a review against Beau Webster wasn't taken, and he went on to score 72. On Day 2, Pat Cummins successfully reviewed an LBW decision against Kyle Verreynne, ending the innings abruptly. But in the third session of Day 2, it wasn't reviews that proved decisive; it was fielding—or the lack thereof.
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June 13, 2025· 13:40 IST
MATCH INFO
Another thrilling day of Test cricket comes to a close! 14 more wickets fell on Day 2, for 239 runs, in 75.1 overs. It's hard to say which dressing room has the happier faces right now. Australia were in dire straits, but Carey and Starc somehow managed to keep them afloat. Despite the lead of 218, historically, the third day is considered the best for batting at Lord's. So, South Africa will believe they have the upper hand, considering that anything under 250 should be within their grasp from a Lord's perspective.
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June 13, 2025· 13:40 IST
Dot BallOver 39.6Australia 144/8
A length ball, just outside off, with a hint of movement. Mitchell Starc watches it all the way into the keeper's gloves. And that's STUMPS ON DAY 2! AUSTRALIA 144/8, LEADING BY 218!
Mitchell Starc 16(47)Nathan Lyon 1(4)
Wiaan Mulder 1/14(6)
04(4B)0020
CRR: 3.60
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:40 IST
2 RunsOver 39.5Australia 144/8
Fuller delivery on the off stump, Mitchell Starc elegantly flicks it along the ground towards deep backward square leg for a comfortable two runs.
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:40 IST
Dot BallOver 39.4Australia 142/8
EDGED AND DROPPED! We've seen numerous edges failing to carry to the slips, and now, when one does, it's grassed! Marco Jansen is visibly frustrated with himself! A length ball, nipping away just outside off, tempts Mitchell Starc into a loose drive. He gets a thick edge that flies flat towards Jansen at third slip, at waist height. The slip fielders were brought in closer, possibly contributing to Jansen's low catch attempt, but ultimately, he puts it down. Starc gets a second life!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:40 IST
Over 39.2Australia 142/8
FOUR BYES! Full delivery sliding down leg, Mitchell Starc attempts to glance it fine, but misses it completely as the ball was too wide. The wicketkeeper dives desperately to his right but can't get a glove on it. The ball races away to the fine leg boundary for four byes!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:40 IST
MATCH INFO
Lungi Ngidi, beaming like a Cheshire cat, joins the commentary team. He believes South Africa are sitting pretty right now. Ngidi credits Australia's tight bowling for restricting their first innings total, but emphasizes that the Proteas have roared back into contention. He admits to a shaky start with the ball, struggling to find his radar initially. However, after Tea on Day 2, he felt the rhythm returning, like a well-oiled machine finally kicking into gear. The crowd support has been electrifying, he says, a real shot in the arm when hearing his name echoing around the ground. That energy is what fuels him, he explains. Looking ahead to tomorrow, the immediate target is bagging those remaining two Aussie wickets quickly. Ngidi acknowledges that chasing anything over 200 against this Australian attack will be a Herculean task, but he insists that his team still believes they have a fighting chance. They'll back themselves to the hilt!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:40 IST
Dot BallOver 39.3Australia 142/8
Full and well outside off stump, Mitchell Starc wisely leaves it alone.
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:39 IST
Dot BallOver 39.1Australia 138/8
Length ball moving into the left-hander, just outside off, Mitchell Starc pushes tentatively at it and feathers an edge that bounces through to the first slip fielder. Oh, should the keeper have gone for that one? Perhaps! A tough chance!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:39 IST
MATCH INFO
Wiaan Mulder is brought back into the attack. His figures so far: 5-0-12-1.
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:39 IST
Dot BallOver 38.6Australia 138/8
Lyon tempted by a devilish delivery! Lyon prods at a testing length just outside off stump, but the ball keeps incredibly low and whizzes past his hesitant edge. A real beauty that!
Nathan Lyon 1(4)Mitchell Starc 14(41)
Kagiso Rabada 3/44(11)
1(1NB)20(W)1(1NB)1011(1NB)0
CRR: 3.54
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:39 IST
Over 38.6Australia 138/8
Lyon watches it sail harmlessly past! Rabada hits a hard length outside off, and Lyon wisely shoulders arms. Oh dear, another overstep! It's a no-ball! Rabada is absolutely livid with himself, gifting away runs like this.
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:39 IST
1 RunOver 38.5Australia 137/8
Brilliant athleticism from Bavuma! Starc unleashes a glorious drive wide of mid-off, but Bavuma, the South African skipper, sprints like a cheetah to his right, flinging himself into a full-stretch dive to intercept! Superb fielding, restricts them to just a single.
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:39 IST
Dot BallOver 38.4Australia 136/8
Starc gets a bit of luck! Shortish delivery darting in from outside off, Starc attempts a delicate steer but gets an inside edge onto his front pad. Could have been a tricky moment there!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:39 IST
1 RunOver 38.3Australia 136/8
Lyon survives a scare! A fullish delivery shaping into the right-hander in that corridor of uncertainty, Lyon pushes forward defensively, gets a thick edge that falls just short of second slip who fumbles, and the ball trickles away for a single behind the keeper. A lucky escape!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:37 IST
MATCH INFO
Lungi Ngidi, beaming from ear to ear, joins the commentary box. He believes the team is in a commanding position, acknowledging Australia's disciplined bowling to restrict their first innings total. However, he emphasizes South Africa's resilient fightback. Ngidi admits his initial struggles, feeling he missed his mark early on, but found his rhythm after Tea on Day 2. He's energized by the electric atmosphere, clearly moved by the crowd chanting his name, and it's that support that fuels him. Looking ahead to Friday, the immediate goal is to snatch those remaining two Australian wickets. Ngidi knows chasing anything over 200 against this Aussie attack will be a stiff challenge, but remains confident in his team's chances. A real fighting spirit!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:37 IST
MATCH INFO
It's that unwavering belief that separates the top teams! After a staggering 28 wickets tumbling in just two days, the scales are still balanced, a testament to the seesawing nature of this contest. Momentum has shifted dramatically, with Australia's century stands after Lunch on Day 1 and Tea on Day 2 being pivotal – the only two such dominant sessions in the match thus far. The Aussies will undoubtedly feel more comfortable now than when they were reeling at 73/7, but predicting a winner at this juncture would be foolish. Friday could be the grand finale, but the ominous rain clouds add another layer of intrigue. Play is scheduled to commence at 3 pm IST (0930 GMT) on June 13th, 2025, weather gods permitting. Considering the captivating cricket we've witnessed, it might just come down to a nail-biting final hour on Day 3. Don't miss a second of the action – join our pre-show buildup early! Until then, adios and take care!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:37 IST
MATCH INFO
Credit where credit is due! South Africa, staring down a 74-run deficit, looked utterly defeated. Then, they sparked a sensational comeback, reducing Australia to a precarious 73/7 after an opening stand of 28. But in a dramatic turn, the Aussies found a way to dig in on Day 3. It's been a day of topsy-turvy cricket! The morning session brought just a single wicket, while the following two sessions exploded with a combined 13 wickets. Batting hasn't been easy, even a 50-run partnership feels like climbing Everest. Temba Bavuma spearheaded the Proteas' resistance in the morning, launching a counter-attack from 43/4. His aggressive intent, while positive, ultimately led to his undoing. The middle session was all about Pat Cummins, who ripped through the South African batting order, bagging a magnificent 6-wicket haul. And then, as the evening shadows lengthened, Lungi Ngidi redeemed himself after a poor first innings, claiming 3 crucial wickets in a Herculean 9-over spell. Remarkable stuff!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:37 IST
MATCH INFO
Regardless of Australia's batting woes, South Africa deserves immense praise. They were seemingly out for the count after their first innings collapse, but roared back with vengeance in the second. Kagiso Rabada initially set the tone, but the session belonged to Lungi Ngidi, who elevated his game to another dimension. The key moment was undoubtedly the dismissal of Steve Smith, which seemed to catapult Ngidi's confidence sky-high, ensuring the Aussies couldn't run away with the lead. What a turnaround!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:37 IST
MATCH INFO
Another glaring question mark hangs over Australia's batting lineup. What to make of that Carey-Starc partnership? Did the venom simply disappear from the ball? Did the pitch magically transform into a batting paradise? The only plausible explanation is that the ball softened after the 25th or 30th over, making life slightly easier. However, there are no excuses for a batting unit to implode twice in the same match, especially in a crucial final. Australia might point to the overcast conditions during their batting innings, but that's precisely what Test cricket throws at you – a test of mental fortitude. The concern is magnified by the expected retirements of senior players after the Ashes, leaving a gaping void in an already inexperienced batting lineup, lacking the technique to combat quality bowling. The grit displayed by Carey should have been emulated by others, and it's simply unacceptable that not a single top-6 batter reached 25. A serious wake-up call for the Aussies!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:37 IST
MATCH INFO
Both these teams pride themselves on their fielding prowess, and Alex Carey fell short of those standards on Wednesday. Then, on Thursday, it was South Africa's turn to falter in that critical final session, with Kyle Verreynne unable to hold onto a difficult chance and Marco Jansen misjudging his position at slip. Both drops were off Starc, and only time will tell if these missed opportunities will prove costly. Besides the dropped catches, numerous edges landed short of the slip cordon, prompting questions about Kyle Verreynne's positioning – perhaps he should have been standing a few steps closer? These are the fine margins that can decide a Test match!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:37 IST
MATCH INFO
This Test has been a relentless battle of attrition, a real arm-wrestle between two evenly matched sides. On Day 1, the missed review against Beau Webster proved costly as he went on to score 72. On Day 2, Pat Cummins' successful review against Kyle Verreynne brought an end to the innings. But in the third session of Day 2, it wasn't about reviews; it was about fielding – dropped catches and missed chances. In this game, every opportunity counts!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:37 IST
MATCH INFO
Another day of exhilarating Test cricket comes to a close! 14 wickets fell again on Day 2, for 239 runs, in 75.1 overs. It's hard to say which dressing room holds the advantage right now. Australia were seemingly on the ropes but found a lifeline through the resilience of Carey and Starc. Despite the lead of 218, history tells us that the third day at Lord's is often the best for batting. So, South Africa will believe they're still in the hunt, and anything under 250 should be chased down from a Lord's perspective. This Test is far from over!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:37 IST
Dot BallOver 39.6Australia 144/8
A length ball, with a hint of wobble, just outside off stump. Mitchell Starc watches it safely into the keeper's gloves. AND THAT'S STUMPS ON DAY 2! AUSTRALIA 144/8, LEADING BY 218! The game hangs tantalizingly in the balance!
Mitchell Starc 16(47)Nathan Lyon 1(4)
Wiaan Mulder 1/14(6)
04(4B)0020
CRR: 3.60
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:37 IST
2 RunsOver 39.5Australia 144/8
A fuller delivery on the off stump, and Mitchell Starc flicks it beautifully, keeping it along the ground, to deep backward square leg for a comfortable couple of runs. Finding the gaps with precision!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:37 IST
Dot BallOver 39.4Australia 142/8
EDGED AND PUT DOWN! We've seen so many edges not carrying to the slips, and just when one does, it's grassed! Marco Jansen is kicking himself! Length ball, just outside off, nipping away from the pitch. Mitchell Starc prods at it, gets a thick outside edge. The ball flies flat and quickly towards Jansen at third slip, at waist height. Perhaps the slip fielders were standing a touch too close. Jansen dips low, but spills the chance! A second life for Starc! A costly miss?
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:37 IST
MATCH INFO
Lungi Ngidi, beaming from ear to ear, joins the commentary team. He's positively buzzing, folks! Ngidi believes South Africa are sitting pretty right now. He tips his hat to the Aussie bowlers for a spirited performance in restricting their first innings, but South Africa have roared back into contention. He candidly admits he struggled to find his radar early on, but that post-tea spell on Day 2 saw him rediscover his mojo. The atmosphere? Electric! He was loving the crowd chanting his name – pure adrenaline fuel! Tomorrow morning, it's all about snaring those final two Aussie wickets. He acknowledges a chase over 200 won't be a walk in the park against this Aussie attack, but he's backing his team to give it a mighty good go!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:37 IST
Over 39.2Australia 142/8
FOUR BYES! Full and sliding down leg side, Mitchell Starc attempts a tickle, but makes no connection as the ball was too wide. The keeper dives to his right, but can't get a glove on it. The ball races away to the fine leg fence! Bonus runs for Australia!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:36 IST
Dot BallOver 39.3Australia 142/8
Full and well outside off stump, Mitchell Starc wisely leaves it alone. No temptation there!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:36 IST
Dot BallOver 39.1Australia 138/8
Length ball swinging into the left-hander, just outside off. Mitchell Starc pushes at it and gets an outside edge that zips on the bounce to the first slip fielder. Oh, could the wicketkeeper have perhaps gone for that one? Possibly! A difficult chance, but questions will be asked!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:36 IST
MATCH INFO
Wiaan Mulder is brought back into the attack. His figures so far read 5 overs, 0 maidens, 12 runs, and 1 wicket. Can he make the breakthrough?
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:36 IST
Dot BallOver 38.6Australia 138/8
Lyon tempted by that probing line and length, just outside off! It keeps dangerously low, deceiving the Aussie spinner who reaches for it and gets nothing but air. A real peach of a delivery!
Nathan Lyon 1(4)Mitchell Starc 14(41)
Kagiso Rabada 3/44(11)
1(1NB)20(W)1(1NB)1011(1NB)0
CRR: 3.54
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:36 IST
Over 38.6Australia 138/8
Rabada flirting with the danger zone outside off! Lyon shoulders arms, wisely letting it go. Oh dear, not again! Another overstepping no-ball from Rabada! He's absolutely incandescent with frustration; those extra deliveries could prove costly.
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:36 IST
1 RunOver 38.5Australia 137/8
Magnificent athleticism from Bavuma! Starc unleashes a glorious drive, piercing the off-side, but Bavuma, anticipating beautifully from mid-off, hurls himself into a diving stop! Absolutely sensational fielding, saving what looked like a certain boundary! They manage just a single.
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:36 IST
Dot BallOver 38.4Australia 136/8
Starc cramped for room! Back of a length delivery nibbling in from outside off, Starc attempts to guide it to leg, but it cannons off the inside edge and thuds into the front pad. That could have been very dicey!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:36 IST
1 RunOver 38.3Australia 136/8
Lyon prods forward, drawn into the channel outside off! A length delivery with some late movement catches the outside edge, but it falls agonisingly short of second slip! The fielder makes a desperate lunge, but fumbles, and the ball trickles away for a single behind the keeper. A lucky escape for Lyon!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:34 IST
MATCH INFO
Lungi Ngidi, beaming like the African sun, shares his thoughts with the commentators. He believes the Proteas are sitting pretty, acknowledging Australia's tight bowling that restricted their first innings. However, he emphasizes South Africa's fighting spirit to claw their way back into contention. Ngidi admits a rocky start personally, struggling with his line and length early on. But post-tea on Day 2, he found his groove, rediscovering that rhythm we know he possesses. He's clearly energized by the vibrant atmosphere, feeding off the crowd chanting his name – that's the fuel that keeps him charging in! The immediate goal? Snag those remaining two Aussie wickets first thing Friday. He concedes a chase exceeding 200 won't be a cakewalk against Australia's potent attack, but maintains his team's unwavering belief in their ability to get the job done.
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:34 IST
MATCH INFO
That unwavering self-belief is what separates the good from the great. Never say die! We've witnessed a staggering 28 wickets tumble in just two days, yet the scales are so finely balanced it's impossible to definitively declare a frontrunner. This Test has been a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, highlighted by those two explosive 100-run sessions from Australia – after Lunch on Day 1 and Tea on Day 2 – the only two of their kind thus far. The Aussies will undoubtedly feel buoyed after their fightback, a stark contrast to their precarious 73/7 situation, but predicting a victor now would be utter folly. Friday could be curtains for this gripping encounter, but Mother Nature's forecast casts a shadow of doubt. Play is slated to commence at 3 pm IST (0930 GMT) on June 13th, 2025, weather gods permitting. Considering the captivating cricket on display, this could very well be decided in the dying embers of Day 3. Don't miss a single ball; join us early for the pre-match buildup. Adios! Take care!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:34 IST
MATCH INFO
Credit where it's due! South Africa, staring down the barrel with a 74-run deficit, were seemingly on the ropes. But they unleashed a ferocious fightback, reducing Australia to a precarious 73/7 after a solid 28/0 start. Then, against all odds, the Aussies dug deep to extend their innings on Day 3. It's been a topsy-turvy day of cricket, folks. The first session crawled along with just a single wicket falling, while the subsequent two witnessed a flurry of 13 dismissals! The batsmen are finding it incredibly tough to establish themselves; even a modest 50-run partnership feels like climbing Everest. The morning session belonged to Temba Bavuma, spearheading the Proteas' resilience from a dire 43/4. His aggressive intent was clear from the get-go, although it ultimately contributed to his downfall. The middle session was Pat Cummins' playground, as he ripped through the South African batting lineup, bagging a magnificent 6-wicket haul. And then, in the evening twilight, Lungi Ngidi shook off his lackluster first-innings performance, claiming 3 crucial wickets in a tireless 9-over spell.
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:34 IST
MATCH INFO
Regardless of Australia's batting woes, South Africa deserves immense praise. They looked down and out after their first innings but roared back with fiery determination in the second. Kagiso Rabada ignited the spark, but Lungi Ngidi truly stole the show, elevating his game to an entirely new level. That prized wicket of Steve Smith sent his confidence soaring sky-high, ensuring the Aussies couldn't completely run away with the lead.
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:34 IST
MATCH INFO
Another glaring question mark hangs over Australia's batting! It's difficult to decipher the significance of that Carey-Starc partnership. Did the ball suddenly lose its venom? Did the pitch magically transform into a batting paradise? The only plausible explanation is perhaps the softening of the ball after the 25th or 30th over, making life a tad easier for the batsmen. But even then, there can be no excuses for a batting lineup collapsing twice in a match, especially in a critical final innings. Australia might point to the challenging overcast conditions they faced during their batting stints, but that's precisely what top-level cricket tests: your mental resilience. Worryingly, with several senior players expected to hang up their boots after the Ashes later this year, a gaping void looms within their inexperienced batting lineup, which seems to lack the necessary technique to combat quality bowling. The grit displayed by Carey is precisely what should have been emulated by the others, and the fact that not a single batter in the top 6 managed to breach 25 is simply astonishing.
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:34 IST
MATCH INFO
Both these sides pride themselves on their exceptional fielding prowess, and Alex Carey uncharacteristically let himself down earlier this week. Today, it was South Africa's turn to falter in that crucial final session, starting with Kyle Verreynne's inability to latch onto a difficult chance, followed by Marco Jansen's misjudgment in adjusting his position after coming forward from his original stance. Both spilled chances involved Starc, and only time will reveal the true cost of these errors. Beyond those glaring drops, numerous edges failed to carry to the slip cordon, inevitably raising questions about Kyle Verreynne's positioning behind the stumps – should he have been standing a few steps closer?
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:34 IST
MATCH INFO
It's been a battle of attrition, a true arm wrestle between these two combatants. Day 1 – that missed review against Beau Webster, allowing him to amass a crucial 72 runs. On Day 2, Pat Cummins' successful review against Kyle Verreynne brought the innings to a swift conclusion. But in the third session of Day 2, it wasn't reviews that held the spotlight. It was fielding – the difference between seizing opportunities and squandering them.
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:34 IST
MATCH INFO
Another utterly exhilarating day of Test cricket draws to a close! 14 more wickets tumbled on Day 2, for 239 runs, in 75.1 overs of captivating action. It's hard to say which dressing room would be the happier at this stage. Australia were seemingly down in the dumps but somehow clawed their way back thanks to the resilience of Carey and Starc. However, despite the lead standing at 218, history tells us that the third day at Lord's is traditionally the best for batting. Therefore, South Africa will firmly believe they hold the upper hand, as anything under 250 should be within their grasp from a Lord's perspective.
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:34 IST
Dot BallOver 39.6Australia 144/8
A teasing length ball, with a subtle wobble on it, drifting just outside off. Mitchell Starc watches it sail harmlessly into the keeper's gloves. And that's STUMPS ON DAY 2! AUSTRALIA 144/8, LEADING BY 218! The game hangs in the balance!
Mitchell Starc 16(47)Nathan Lyon 1(4)
Wiaan Mulder 1/14(6)
04(4B)0020
CRR: 3.60
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:34 IST
2 RunsOver 39.5Australia 144/8
A fuller delivery, targeting the off stump, Mitchell Starc flicks it with a deft touch, keeping it along the ground, to deep backward square leg for a comfortable couple of runs. Smart batting, picking up the easy runs.
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:34 IST
MATCH INFO
Lungi Ngidi, beaming from ear to ear, joins the broadcast team. He exudes confidence, stating the Proteas are sitting pretty. He tips his hat to the Aussie bowlers for a disciplined performance that restricted their first innings. However, he believes South Africa clawed their way back into contention. Ngidi confesses to a rocky start with his own bowling, admitting he missed his mark early on. But, a post-tea resurgence on Day 2 saw him rediscover his rhythm. He's clearly energized by the crowd, saying the chants of his name fuel his fire. Looking ahead to Friday, he emphasizes the immediate goal: snatch those final two wickets. While acknowledging the challenge of chasing anything over 200 against Australia's fiery attack, Ngidi asserts that South Africa still backs itself to get the job done. Game on!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:34 IST
Dot BallOver 39.4Australia 142/8
EDGED AND DROPPED! We've seen a plethora of edges failing to carry to the slips, and just when one does, it's grassed! Marco Jansen is understandably gutted with himself! A probing length ball, just outside off, nipping away from the pitch. Mitchell Starc tentatively hangs his bat out, resulting in a thick outside edge. The ball flies flat and towards Jansen at third slip, at waist height. Perhaps the close proximity of the slip fielders played a part. Jansen stoops low to pouch it, but agonizingly puts it down. A second life for Starc, a huge let off!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:34 IST
Over 39.2Australia 142/8
FOUR BYES! Full and sliding down leg, Mitchell Starc attempts a delicate tickle, but fails to make contact as the ball strays too wide. The wicketkeeper dives desperately to his right but can't get a glove on it. The ball races away to the fine leg fence for four byes. Frustrating for the bowler, valuable runs for Australia!
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:33 IST
Dot BallOver 39.3Australia 142/8
Full and comfortably wide of off stump, Mitchell Starc wisely leaves it alone. No temptation there, playing the waiting game.
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:33 IST
Dot BallOver 39.1Australia 138/8
A length ball angling in to the left-hander, just outside off, Mitchell Starc pushes tentatively at it and feathers an outside edge that bounces through to the first slip fielder. Oh, could the wicketkeeper have gone for it? Possibly! A tight call, a half-chance goes begging.
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:33 IST
MATCH INFO
Wiaan Mulder is reintroduced into the attack. His figures thus far: 5 overs, 0 maidens, 12 runs, and 1 wicket. Can he make another breakthrough?
-330
June 13, 2025· 13:33 IST
Dot BallOver 38.6Australia 138/8
Lyon tempted by a devilish delivery! Lyon prods at a testing length just outside off, but the ball keeps brutally low, zipping past the edge of his willow. Lyon left grasping at thin air!
Nathan Lyon 1(4)Mitchell Starc 14(41)
Kagiso Rabada 3/44(11)
1(1NB)20(W)1(1NB)1011(1NB)0
CRR: 3.54
