Australia's fast bowlers take over after Rabada's early success as wickets fall on the first day
Australia's fast bowlers take over after Rabada's early success as wickets fall on the first day
WTC Final: Australia's bowlers fought back after they were bowled out for a modest total by South Africa as 14 wickets fell on an engrossing first day of the World Test Championship final.
Australia and South Africa kicked off the World Test Championship final with a fierce battle between their bowling attacks. The first day at Lord's was filled with action as 14 wickets fell, hinting that the match could end sooner rather than later.
Rabada's Magic and Australia's Struggle
South African pacer Kagiso Rabada was the standout bowler, picking up 5 wickets for 51 runs his second time securing a spot on the prestigious Lord's Honours Board. His spell ensured Australia was dismissed for just 212 runs. However, Australia hit back hard in the evening session, reducing South Africa to 43 for 4, leaving them in deep trouble.
Australia's revamped top-order had a tough start after South African captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bowl first under overcast conditions. The early wickets saw Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, and Marnus Labuschagne depart quickly. Steven Smith, despite battling the flu, looked in control and tried to rebuild the innings. At 192 for 5, with Beau Webster also settling in, Australia had a chance to recover. But South Africa struck back, dismissing the last five wickets for just 20 runs.
Aiden Markram's Surprise Strike
In a surprising turn of events, part-time off-spinner Aiden Markram removed Smith one of the finest Test batters, when Smith edged a drive to Marco Jansen at slip. Markram himself seemed stunned, saying, "I'm still trying to fathom how I've done that."
Australia’s Fightback with the Ball
Needing a strong response, Mitchell Starc provided it immediately by dismissing Aiden Markram in the first over. Starc nearly had a second wicket when Wiaan Mulder edged behind, but Alex Carey dropped a simple chance. However, Starc soon removed Ryan Rickelton, and Pat Cummins trapped Mulder on the drive, leaving South Africa unable to score freely.
Between them, Mulder and Bavuma managed just 8 runs off 81 balls, showing how difficult batting was. Josh Hazlewood, returning after injury, bowled a stunning delivery to dismiss Tristan Stubbs, closing the day with South Africa in serious trouble.
Slow Start and Early Drama
The morning began under heavy cloud cover with floodlights on, setting up a tricky batting test. Australia's innings started cautiously, with three maiden overs in a row something they hadn’t done since 2020. It took 21 deliveries for the first run off the bat.
Marnus Labuschagne, opening the batting in Tests for the first time, was the only early bright spot. Khawaja struggled and eventually edged Rabada to David Bedingham at slip after 20 balls. His dismissal highlighted a growing issue since 2024, Khawaja has averaged just 18.63 against pacers bowling around the wicket compared to 43.80 from over the wicket.
Green didn’t last long either his first ball was a comfortable push to leg side, but his third was edged behind, brilliantly caught by Markram.
Smith’s Calmness Before the Collapse
At 16 for 2, Smith walked out on what he calls his “second-favorite ground” and tried to steady Australia’s innings. Labuschagne had a few nervy moments, including flicking a Marco Jansen delivery just short of leg gully, but managed to rebuild alongside Smith.
However, Labuschagne eventually edged Jansen, and Travis Head followed right before lunch after glancing a ball down the leg side. Australia went into the break at 76 for 4, needing a turnaround.
After lunch, Smith increased the scoring rate, smashing 11 runs off Rabada's first over, reaching his fifty, and becoming the leading overseas run-scorer at Lord's, surpassing Warren Bardsley.
Smith was batting with ease while South African pacer Lungi Ngidi struggled. But then, unexpectedly, Smith edged Markram’s off-spin a delivery that was bowled simply for a change of ends to slip. Jansen juggled the ball but held on, sending Smith back and shifting momentum.
Webster’s Lucky Escape and Carey’s Error
Webster, new to Lord’s, had a shaky start. He barely survived an early lbw shout against Jansen and had a huge stroke of luck when Bavuma chose not to review another lbw against Rabada thinking there was an inside edge, but in reality, the ball was hitting middle stump.
Despite looking uncomfortable, Webster reached his fifty off 69 balls and built a promising stand with Carey. However, Carey played a reckless reverse-sweep, completely missing the ball and handing his wicket to Keshav Maharaj.
From there, Australia’s tail collapsed, losing their last five wickets in just 35 balls. Cummins was cleaned up by a Rabada delivery that straightened down the line, and Webster fell soon after, caught at slip.
South Africa’s Batting Troubles Continue
Sadly for South Africa, their batting woes didn’t end with bowling out Australia. Their openers struggled in the tricky conditions, losing wickets fast. They ended the day at 43 for 4, needing Bavuma to rescue them.
Both teams have looked vulnerable, and the battle between the fast bowlers has taken center stage. With wickets falling quickly, this Test match promises more twists and turns, possibly leading to an early finish.