Thu Jun 12 12:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewrite as a news article:

**Summary:**

The text is a live blog-style commentary on the second day of the World Test Championship (WTC) final between Australia and South Africa. It covers the morning and early afternoon sessions, focusing on South Africa’s batting performance. Key moments include: Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham attempting to build a partnership, Bavuma getting a reprieve on an LBW decision thanks to a faint inside edge, Bedingham playing cautiously, and Australia rotating their bowlers. A bizarre incident occurred where Verreynne ran into bowler Cummins but Australia opted against a dismissal. The blog also includes reader emails and thoughts on the WTC format, and brief mention of weather conditions and surrounding analysis of other cricket-related topics.

**News Article:**

**South Africa Fight Back Against Australia on Day 2 of WTC Final, Bizarre Collision Halts Play**

**Lord’s, London** – South Africa began Day 2 of the World Test Championship final at Lord’s facing an uphill battle, but showed resilience against a formidable Australian bowling attack. After finishing day 1 on 43-4 in reply to Australia’s 212, the Proteas looked to captain Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham to steady the ship.

Bavuma survived a close LBW shout early on, overturning the umpire’s decision thanks to a faint inside edge. The pair put together a slow, steady partnership, with Bedingham focused on defensive play and Bavuma gradually finding his rhythm, hitting some impressive boundaries.

A strange incident occurred when Verreyne collided with Cummins after being called for a leg bye. Cummins was in the midst of an appeal when the non-striker collided with him. Despite the batter clearly being at fault, the Australians opted against taking the bails off for an easy dismissal. Shortly after the collision, Verreynne’s innings would come to an end after a review would overturn an umpire’s not out call.

Australia rotated their bowlers, with Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon all getting overs in the early session.

The weather at Lord’s remained overcast for most of the session.

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