The opening day of the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s delivered exactly what cricket fans hoped for – a thrilling contest between bat and ball that saw 14 wickets fall and momentum swing dramatically between Australia and South Africa.
Bottom Line: Day 1 of the WTC Final was bowlers’ day. Now, Australia and South Africa are sitting on the same page after Day 1. Proteas needs 170 more runs to take a first-innings lead, while Australia requires six wickets to wrap up SA’s first innings.
Rabada’s Masterclass Restricts Australia
Kagiso Rabada produced a stellar performance with figures of 5/51, marking his 17th five-wicket haul in Test cricket and securing his second Lord’s honours board entry. The South African pace spearhead exploited overcast conditions perfectly after captain Temba Bavuma’s decision to bowl first proved inspired.
Australia’s restructured batting order struggled early, with Usman Khawaja departing for a duck and the visitors slumping to 47/3 before lunch. The introduction of Marnus Labuschagne as opener failed to provide the desired stability.
Smith and Webster’s Resistance
Steven Smith battled through illness to compile 66 runs, becoming the leading overseas batsman at Lord’s by surpassing Warren Bardsley’s record. His partnership with Beau Webster offered hope for Australia’s total.
Webster played a crucial knock of 72 on his Lord’s debut, surviving several close calls, including a missed review opportunity when he was on just 8 runs. The all-rounder’s innings provided valuable lower-order runs before Australia’s collapse.
Australian Tail Folds Under Pressure
Australia’s final five wickets crumbled for just 20 runs, with the tail offering little resistance once Webster and the established batsmen departed. Marco Jansen complemented Rabada’s efforts with 3/49, ensuring Australia was dismissed for a below-par 212.
Starc Leads Australia’s Response
Mitchell Starc struck immediately in South Africa’s reply, removing Aiden Markram in the very first over as the opener dragged an inswinger onto his stumps. The left-arm paceman’s early breakthrough set the tone for Australia’s fightback.
Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood joined the party, with the trio reducing South Africa to 43/4 by stumps. Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs fell to regulation catches, while Wiaan Mulder’s struggles at number three continued.
Key Moments That Shaped Day 1
- Rabada’s early strikes: Removed Khawaja and Cameron Green within the first hour
- Webster’s reprieve: Survived a clear LBW appeal when Bavuma chose not to review
- Smith’s unexpected dismissal: Fell to part-time spinner Aiden Markram’s off-break
- Starc’s trademark start: Struck with his first delivery of South Africa’s innings
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What’s at Stake on Day 2
South Africa trails by 169 runs with David Bedingham (8*) and captain Temba Bavuma (3*) at the crease. The Proteas will look to their experienced batting depth to build a competitive first-innings total.
Australia’s experienced pace attack has shown they can exploit any batting weaknesses, making every run crucial for both teams in what promises to be another captivating day of Test cricket.
The World Test Championship Final continues at Lord’s with South Africa seeking their maiden title while Australia aims to become the first team to win consecutive championships.
