Australia tightened their grip on the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's, finishing day two with a commanding position at 144-8 in their second innings - building a crucial 218-run lead after another dramatic day of relentless wicket-taking action on Thursday.

The high-stakes battle between cricket's elite nations delivered another pulsating chapter as the reigning champions Australia maneuvered into pole position to set a challenging target for South Africa's struggling batting lineup.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey emerged as Australia's unlikely hero with a counter-attacking 43 late in the day, rescuing his team from potential collapse after South Africa's fiery bowlers had reduced them to 73-7 at one stage. Carey's aggressive strokeplay shifted momentum back to Australia before Kagiso Rabada trapped him lbw just before stumps.

The match continued its breathtaking tempo with fourteen wickets tumbling on day two - bringing the astonishing match total to 28 dismissals across just two days of play. The relentless quality bowling from both sides transformed every session into edge-of-the-seat drama.

Skipper Pat Cummins produced a masterclass of fast bowling, demolishing South Africa with career-best figures of 6-28 - the finest performance ever by a Test captain at Lord's. His devastating spell skittled South Africa for just 138 in response to Australia's first innings total of 212.