Bavuma’s departure keeps SA in check

Bavuma's departure keeps SA in check

South Africa improved their batting performance in the first session on Day 2 of the World Test Championship final at Lord's. Australia, however, still held the advantage, picking up one wicket and limiting the Proteas to 78 runs in 27 overs before Lunch.

Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham added 64 runs for the second wicket. Bavuma's dismissal for 36 off Josh Hazlewood, despite a successful DRS review for an inside edge, meant Australia remained ahead. South Africa reached 121/5 at the break, trailing by 91 runs.

Bavuma appeared more confident on the second morning, cracking a couple of boundaries off Mitchell Starc. Bedingham also struck a four off Starc, and both batters rotated the strike well. Bavuma confidently went aerial a few times and drove Starc through cover for another four, bringing up the half-century stand. He executed an authoritative pull off Pat Cummins for a six.

Bedingham, overshadowed by Bavuma's intent-filled batting, played a straight drive off Starc for his second four of the day. The partnership ended in a Cummins over when Marnus Labuschagne took a terrific diving catch to dismiss Bavuma for 36. South Africa were left at 94/5. Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne chose caution after the dismissal, although Bedingham ended the session well with two fours off Beau Webster.