Monaco Journal - Australia's Cummins rips through South Africa batting in WTC final

South Africa were bowled out for 138 in reply to Australia's first-innings 212 on the second day with the 30-year-old Cummins finishing with final figures of 6-28 as he went to 300 career Test wickets

South Africa lost their last five wickets for just 12 runs, with a comedy run out not helping their cause, as Cummins ripped through the lower order on his way to a 14th five-wicket haul in 68 Tests and first at Lord's.

Only South Africa captain Temba Bavuma (36) and David Bedingham (45) offered meaningful resistance during a fifth-wicket stand of 64.

South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada had taken a fine 5-51 on Wednesday but his efforts were eclipsed by Cummins.

After lunch, the Australian skipper took four for one in just 17 balls of devastating pace bowling.

South Africa had resumed on Thursday at 43-4, battling to put enough runs on the board.

The diminutive Bavuma, having taken 37 balls for his overnight three not out, changed gears as he struck a superb lofted cover-drive off left-arm quick Starc for four and later pulled Cummins for a sparkling six.

But Cummins had his revenge when Bavuma's checked drive was brilliantly caught at cover by a diving Marnus Labuschagne.

In the last over before lunch, Bedingham struck two fours in three balls off all-rounder Beau webster to take South Africa to 121-5.

But wickets tumbled early in the second session, with Cummins taking claiming two scalps in an over.

He had Kyle Verreynne lbw for 13 and three balls later held a simple return catch as Marco Jansen fell for a duck, with South Africa now reduced 126-7.

Cummins then had Bedingham caught behind to end a 111-ball innings before Keshav Maharaj was needlessly run out.

The pacemen then hit rival quick Rabada on the arm and helmet with bouncers from around the wicket before ending the innings with his 300th Test wicket when opposing quick Rabada was well caught low down at deep square leg by Beau Webster.

L.Moretti--MJ