World Test Championship final heading to day three conclusion as 14 wickets fall again amid crazy collapses
Australia's troubling collapse on day two of the World Test Championship final has left the spectacle in a precarious position after 14 wickets fell.
On day one, 14 wickets were also taken with South Africa resuming play at 4-43 after Australia were bowled out for 212.
The Proteas struggled with the bat and were gone for 138 early in the second session.
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A horror Test for batting continued when it was Australia's turn with the defending champions 8-144 at stumps.
Kagiso Rabada and Steve Smith. Getty
When Pat Cummins fell it was 7-73, sparking confusion from former Black Cap, Ian Smith.
"This topsy turvy Test match has turned in their (South Africa's) favour ... it's such a hard thing to explain because these are the two best Test sides in the last two years and yet these scores reflect anything but," he said on Amazon Prime.
"I've come out of a room next door with the best cricketing minds and no one can explain how this is happening, and why this is happening. Incredible stuff."
In South Africa's innings, David Bedingham was the top-scorer with 45 while Cummins claimed 6-28 to take his career tally to 300.
Pat Cummins acknowledges the crowd. ICC via Getty Images
Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne posted a 28-run partnership at the top of the order in response before Khawaja edged behind for 6.
Cameron Green was gone two balls later as Kagiso Rabada ripped through.
Labuschange (22) was the best at the top of the order but his fall at 3-44 continued the rot. Steve Smith (13), Beau Webster (9), Travis Head (9) and Cummins (6) were all next to fall.
Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc then combined for a 61-run partnership before Carey (43) was given out lbw, gifting Rabada his third wicket.
The drama wasn't done until the final over when Mitchell Starc was dropped by Marco Jansen at third slip.
Marco Jansen drops a catch. Amazon Prime
Starc (16 not out) and Nathan Lyon (1no) managed to survive the rest of the over as Australia went into the Lord's pavilion leading by 218 runs.
"We've been entertained, we really have been entertained," Kevin Pietersen said.
What could cruel South Africa in their impending run chase is the 19 extras they gave the Aussies - nine of those from no balls, with Rabada bowling five. Three of which came in his last over.
Rabada finished the day with 3-44 while Lungi Ngidi has 3-35.
