Day two of the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s saw Australia seize the upper hand, thanks to fast bowling by captain Pat Cummins. Cummins became just the eighth Australian to reach 300 Test wickets.

Several veterans underperformed in the big match, and with the next WTC final two years away, their place in the side is under scrutiny. Usman Khawaja – Age and Form a Worry Khawaja failed to deliver in both innings of the final.

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.

Australia batter Steve Smith goes to hospital after dislocating his little finger on day three of the World Test Championship final against South Africa.

Marnus Labuschagne has moved one place up the batting order to open with Usman Khawaja for Australia in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s from Wednesday.

Josh Hazlewood rejoined the resumed Indian Premier League 2025, while some Australian players did not return. Former Australia speedster Mitchell Johnson has criticised Hazlewood for 'prioritising IPL over national team.

"It's very hard for the average cricket fan to understand who's the best team in the world and how exactly the top two teams make it to the final," said former England captain Michael Vaughan, now a television pundit.

Aiden Markram, the Player of the Match in the WTC final, revealed he took inspiration from the T20 World Cup defeat against India last year.