The opening day of the World Test Championship (WTC) final between Australia and South Africa at Lord's was a dramatic affair, with bowlers dominating proceedings as 14 wickets fell. After being put into bat, Australia were dismissed for 212, largely due to a stellar performance from South Africa's Kagiso Rabada, who claimed 5 wickets for 51 runs. However, Australia fought back strongly with the ball, spearheaded by Mitchell Starc, to leave South Africa struggling at 43 for 4 at the close of play, trailing by 169 runs.
South Africa's captain, Temba Bavuma, won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision that was quickly vindicated by his pace attack. Rabada, returning to Test cricket after a ban, was immediately on song, removing Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green in quick succession to leave Australia reeling at 16 for 2. Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head also fell cheaply, with Marco Jansen picking up both wickets, as Australia slumped to 67 for 4 at lunch.
Australia's innings was stabilized by a crucial 79-run partnership between Steve Smith and Beau Webster. Webster, in particular, was fortunate to survive an early LBW shout when he was on 8. Smith reached his half-century but was eventually dismissed for 66 by part-time spinner Aiden Markram. Webster went on to make 72 before falling to Rabada, who then ran through the tail to complete his five-wicket haul. Australia lost their last five wickets for a mere 20 runs, folding for 212 in just 56.4 overs. Jansen supported Rabada well, taking 3 wickets for 39 runs.
In response, South Africa's batting lineup struggled against the Australian pace attack. Mitchell Starc set the tone immediately, dismissing Markram for a duck in the very first over, with the batter inside-edging onto his stumps. Starc continued his impressive spell by removing Ryan Rickelton for 16, reducing South Africa to 19 for 2. Wiaan Mulder survived an early chance when Alex Carey dropped a catch off Starc's bowling, but he couldn't capitalize, eventually being bowled by Pat Cummins for 6.
Cummins also accounted for Mulder, while Josh Hazlewood dismissed Tristan Stubbs shortly before the close of play, leaving South Africa in deep trouble at 43 for 4. David Bedingham, however, injected some late momentum into the innings, hitting consecutive boundaries off Cummins in the final over to end the day on 8 not out. Bavuma remained unbeaten on 3, having faced 37 balls.
Starc's opening spell was particularly impressive, as he bowled with pace, swing, and precision. He bowled seven overs straight, taking two wickets and conceding just 9 runs. Cummins and Hazlewood also bowled well, maintaining the pressure on the South African batsmen.
The day belonged to the bowlers, with Rabada's five-wicket haul being the standout performance for South Africa, while Starc's early breakthroughs were crucial for Australia. With both teams possessing strong pace attacks, the match is expected to remain a closely contested affair. South Africa will need a strong response on Day 2 to get back into the contest, while Australia will look to press home their advantage and build a substantial lead.
Australia's XI included Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood, while South Africa fielded Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi.
