South Africa finished at 43/4 in 22 overs after Day 1 Stumps. After starting on a high note with the bowling, the Proteas bundled out Australia at 212. However, while coming to bat, they lost early wickets.
The Kangaroos bounced back with Mitchell Starc scalping two wickets and Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins taking one wicket each. The Proteas opening batter Aiden Markram got dismissed on a duck. Ryan Rickelton (16 off 23), Wiaan Mulder (6 off 44) and Tristan Stubbs (2 off 13) failed to add significant runs. Skipper Temba Bavuma and Davd Bedingham are on the strike and will want to stabilize the innings.
Australian batting line-up collapsed and South Africa strengthened their command in the WTC final. The Aussies managed to score 212 runs in 56.4 overs before getting bundled out.
Kagiso Rabada dominated South Africa’s bowling attack by scalping five wickets. After dismissing Khawaja and Green, Rabada took a Pat Cummin’s wicket followed by crucial wicket of Beau Webster (72 off 92 balls). He also dismissed Mitchell Starc.
While Keshav Maharaj got rid of Alex Carey, Marco Jansen dimissed Nathan Lyon.
Aiden Markram strikes gold as he dismisses Steve Smith for 66(112). Marco Jansen’s stunning slip catch seals the deal. A clever last-ball stop at short mid-wicket kept Smith on strike, and Markram’s brilliant delivery created an opportunity. South Africa players celebrate, knowing this breakthrough is massive. The Proteas are now at 146/5 after 41.6 overs.
A fiery opening spell by Kagiso Rabada set the tone for South Africa on Day 1 of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia with four early wickets at Lord’s on Wednesday. At the end of the first session, Australia was 67/4, with Steve Smith (26 not out) in the middle.
Sent into bat first, Australia openers Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne struggled against the movement generated by Proteas quicks Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, and the ball beat their bats plenty of times.
The Australians were soon on the backfoot after Rabada struck twice in an over with the wickets of Khawaja and Cameron Green with the score reading 16/2 in seven overs. Smith was with Marnus Labuschange at the crease.
The duo started to build a partnership, taking on South African bowlers well, who also had their moments. Smith got some boundaries against pace, keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Just when things looked to settle down one, Labuschagne edged one to wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreyne, dismissed for 17 in 56 balls. Australia was 46/3 in 18 overs. Marco Jansen got his first wicket.
Things got uglier when Jansen put an end to Head’s brief appearance, removing him for 11 in 13 balls after being caught by the keeper. Australia was 67/4 and the lunch was taken at that note.
South Africa vs Australia toss report
South African captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bowl first. Both the teams have already announced their playing XIs a day prior.
South Africa vs Australia playing XIs
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi
What both captains said before WTC final?
Pat Cummins (Australia): Happy to bat first. Looks like a good wicket with a few clouds. Prep wise it has been unreal, 15 guys working very hard for that title. We have had about 10 days prep and we are ready. Doesn’t feel like any extra pressure. We’ve been here before and we’ve won it. This week is all about enjoying the moment.
Temba Bavuma (South Africa): Will have a bowl first looking at the overhead conditions. Looks like a good pitch. Too late to change the team, we have selected the best combination. All 15 of us are confident. We all have had some allegiance to Lord’s, the emotion will hit us when the anthems stat playing. It is a massive final.
AUS vs SA, WTC 2025 final pitch report
The weather looks overcast with a subtle breeze flowing at Lord’s. The wicket looks good, especially the Day 2 will be great for batters. The key for the bowlers to succeed would be to get their lines right for early movement.