Belief building as Bedingham plots South Africa's Lord's heist
The Proteas believe they are well placed for victory in the Ultimate Test and history is on their side at Lord's.
Proteas pacers fire back after Cummins’ fiery spell | Day 2 Highlights | WTC25 Final
South Africa pacers reply back with the ball after Australia captain Pat Cummins registered a historic six-fer on Day 2.
By Jonathan Healy, at Lord's
South Africa batter David Bedingham believes confidence is rising within his side as the Proteas plot a fourth innings run chase to win the ICC World Test Championship Final.
Some superb bowling from Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi helped the Proteas fight back on day two of an action packed Test at Lord's, with the pace duo combining for six wickets to leave Australia in trouble at 144/8 in their second innings at stumps and in the lead by just 218.
Ngidi, Mulder remove Webster and Head in quick succession | WTC25 Final
Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder helped South Africa tighten their grip in the second innings with a quickfire brace.
It means South Africa require two more Australian wickets on day three, before they embark on a run chase that Bedingham thinks is well within their grasp.
"We're very confident and I think the batters will have their plans," Bedingham said after play on Thursday.
"It could go either way, but I think us as a team are very excited and there's a lot of belief in the dressing room."
Lungi Ngidi nabs the massive wicket of Steve Smith | WTC25 Final
South Africa quick Lungi Ngidi traps Australia talisman Steve Smith as the Proteas respond back with the ball.
History is on South Africa's side heading into the third day, with three teams having previously scored more than 250 in a fourth innings to win a Test at Lord's and two of those successful run chases have come this century.
Bedingham looms as a key player in that run chase for South Africa, with the right-hander one of the very few batters that looked in control while batting on a difficult Lord's pitch that offered plenty for the bowlers.
Bavuma, Bedingham keep Proteas in the contest | Innings Highlights | WTC25 Final
Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham produced steely knocks but Australia captain Pat Cummins helps the defending champions secure a first-innings lead.
The 31-year-old was at the crease for 111 deliveries for his knock of 45 in South Africa's first innings and he had some wise words of advice for his teammates at the end of the second day's play.
"I think the main thing is just to 100 percent commit if you're defending or attacking," Bedingham noted.
"As soon as you get caught in two minds against these attacks, I think you get found out, so it's just 100 percent commitment in defence and attack."
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