David Bedingham’s top score of 45 kept South Africa within touching distance of Australia’s first innings of 212 in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s on Thursday but, despite being bowled out for just 138 in reply, South Africa restricted the reigning champions to 144-8 by the close of the second day.
A lead of 218 runs with two wickets remaining is far from insurmountable on Friday’s third day.
“It is an amazing chance and we are very excited about the opportunity to win,” Bedingham said after the close of play.
“It could go either way but there is a lot of belief. We are very confident, the batters will have their individual plans ready for the innings.
Bedingham said the Proteas were “lucky to have” Lungi Ngidi in their team after the fast bowler cast off a listless first innings with a match-changing nine-over spell of 3-35 which started with the prized wicket of Steve Smith.
Ngidi echoed the sentiments of Bedingham: “It’s in the balance right now, two wickets in hand, but if we can knock those over and maybe chase 225, people are going to get their money’s worth,” Ngidi said.
As Ngidi praised the opposition bowlers, Bedingham acknowledged Pat Cummins brilliant return of 6-28 which took him to exactly 300 test wickets, just the eighth Australian to do so.
