Australia hold upper hand

Australia took the upper hand in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s, ending day two on 144-8 in their second innings with a lead of 218 runs after wickets tumbled freely again on Thursday.

A gripping contest of fluctuating fortunes seemed to be heading for a decisive third day as defending champions Australia looked to set an imposing target for South Africa to chase.

Australia had two second-innings wickets in hand at stumps having survived a torrid spell of bowling with Alex Carey leading the charge with a late flurry of runs after South Africa had threatened to dismiss them cheaply in their second innings.

Fourteen wickets fell on the second day, for a total of 28 over the two days as some brilliant bowling made for an absorbing contest.

Australia captain Pat Cummins led the way with six wickets, speeding through the South African batting lineup as they were dismissed for 138, in reply to Australia’s first innings 212.