London/IBNS: The World Test Championship 2025 Final is headed for a thrilling finish as South Africa counter-attacked Australia after the Aussies took a modest lead over Proteas on day two of the match at Lord's in London on Thursday.

After the first day, the same number of wickets (14) fell even on day 2 serving a competitive final of the epic battle.

Australia bowled out South Africa cheaply on Thursday for 138 to only reduce to 73-7 when Alex Carey (43) and unbeaten Mitchell Starc (unbeaten 16) jumped to the rescue.

The Aussies finished at 144-8 at stumps on day two, leading South Africa by 218 runs in the second innings.

Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi showed mastery of fast bowling picking three wickets each on Thursday.

Earlier in the day, Australia captain Pat Cummins picked 6-28 to cause South Africa's batting collapse.

On day one, South Africa bowled out Australia for only 212, riding on Kagiso Rabada's fifer.

Rabada, who returned to cricket after serving a one-month ban for testing positive for cocaine, picked five wickets for 51.

Australian senior batter Steve Smith 66 and Beau Webster (72) stitched a 79-run partnership for the fifth wicket after the Aussies were throttling at 67-4.

Despite the fight, the Aussies crumbled down soon after the tea, losing the last five wickets for only 22, handing South Africa an upper hand in the match back then.